7 tips to stop biting your nails (from people who beat the habit)
Biting your nails one of the most common bad habits around, and if you’ve ever tried to quit, you’ll know just how difficult it can be. However, the old saying really is true in this case – where there’s a will, there’s a way.
So, BuzzFeed asked its readers to share the one tip that helped them break the habit, and we’ve rounded up some of our favourites here. Feel free to add yours in the comments!
1. Nail polish and acrylics
Whether you’re getting acrylic nails professionally done at a salon, simply painting them at home or experimenting with nail art, many former biters discovered that taking pride in their nails was the solution to their problem. By making them look good, many found they couldn’t bear to ruin their manicure.
2. Glue-on nails
Sometimes all you need is a barrier between you and the thing you’re trying to avoid – and press-on nails do just that. They’re cheap, will help your nails heal, and if you use good quality glue, can stay on for about a week. Simply keep replacing them until you’ve kicked the habit.
3. Anti-biting treatments
They don’t work for everyone, but these treatments are cheap, easy to find and very effective for some. How do they work? A bit of negative reinforcement – they make your nails taste so disgusting, you’ll never want to bite them again.
4. Switch up the impulse
The next time you get that powerful urge to nibble, do something proactive instead. Some biters have found that using the impulse as a chance to do something good to their nails (like applying a healthy oil or cream) helped ease them out of the habit.
5. Reward yourself
If you need more incentive than just healthy nails (although that’s a pretty damn good reason, if you ask us!) set up a rewards system for yourself. Each hour, day or week (or whatever other interval you want to set for yourself) that you don’t bite, treat yourself to something nice. Whether it’s small, like a bar of your favourite chocolate, or a bit more indulgent like a facial or massage.
6. Keep your hands or mouth occupied
Fidget spinners aren’t just for kids! The next time you get the urge to bite, keep your hands occupied with a fidget toy – there are tons out there, and they’re all super affordable. As for your mouth, chew some gum or suck on a long-lasting lolly. It’ll distract you from going straight for the nails.
7. Get your hands dirty
Spend a few hours gardening, browse a magazine at your GP, clean the house – with all this dirt, germs and chemicals lurking under your nails, you definitely won’t want to get them anywhere near your mouth.