Stop Biting Your Nails!
Some people resolve to lose 50 pounds during the new year. Resolving to stop biting your nails may sound like an easier resolution to keep, but sometimes, the little things are just as hard as the big ones!
Nail biting is a habit, and habits take conscious effort to break. Experts say it takes seven to ten days to break a habit, so give it some time — and encourage yourself.
Here are some ideas for kicking the nail-biting habit for good:
- Wear gloves or even bandaids on your fingers, to avoid biting nails. You may want to restrict this extreme approach to times when you're home alone.
- Find something to occupy your hands— a creative hobby such as building model airplanes, painting, knitting or sewing.
- Look for nail paint that has a bad taste—it's designed to help you break the habit.
- Get a manicure or even opt for artificial nails.
Excessive nail biting results in very weak nails and, in extreme cases, damaged fingers caused by chewing the nail down to the quick — the sensitive skin beneath the nail.
Published 12/21/07
