Stop Biting Nails

Nail biting is common in people. Such problem can be an obstacle for maintaining beauty of nails. Here are some tips to cure yourself of this bad habit and keep your nails looking good.

As far as bad habits go, biting one's own nails is extremely common. It usually starts out as a childish behavior, but if not curtailed, may persist into adulthood. In other cases, nail biting develops in adults who are under a lot of stress. Once it becomes a habit, the nail biting happens almost subconsciously. Apart from making your nails look bad, this habit can lead to bleeding nails, which are painful. In addition, your nails can also develop an infection. 

If you bite your nails, you may have tried to stop doing so and found it difficult. Do not despair. Curing yourself of this bad habit is possible.

Think about the problem 

The first step to cease nail biting is to admit you have a problem and accept that you need to curb it. Grab a camera and take pictures of your bitten nails. When you look at the pictures, it should make you want to stop. Make a list of all the problems your nails have like split nails, pain, bleeding, etc. Then, visualize how your nails would look if you did not bite them.

Start with one nail 

Pick a single nail to protect first. Make a firm resolution not to bite that nail at any cost. If you feel the urge to bite, target any one of the 'unprotected' ones. The un bitten nail will start to grow properly, as a reward for your efforts. After a few days, select another nail to protect and so on. This way you are not forced to stop biting your nails all at once and can gradually reduce the frequency of nail biting.

Record your progress 

Keep a journal or book of your progress in halting the nail-biting habit. Paste the initial photographs of your nails in them. Then, every week, take another photograph of your nails and compare them with the initial ones. These 'before and after' pictures will show you the progress you are making. In addition to the pictures, prepare a chart showing how much your nails are growing. On average, it takes around three weeks for a nail to grow half a centimeter. Make entries in your journal about how long you expect your nails to be after every month and compare the size to your expectations.

Eat a balanced diet 

Nail biting is sometimes in response to a calcium and magnesium deficiency. These two minerals are present in your nails and if you constantly bite them, it could be a sign that your body wants these substances. Therefore, add calcium- and magnesium-rich foods to your diet such as milk, green vegetables, whole wheat bread, and seafood. Not only will it minimize your nail biting but also it will keep your nails healthy and help them to grow faster.

Look for a distraction 

If possible, try to find another habit to replace the nail biting. For example, whenever you feel the urge to bite your nails, you could flex your fingers or try drumming them on the table instead. Whatever habit you choose, make sure it is not detrimental to your health. Alternatively, try to keep your hands and mouth busy so you are not tempted to bite your nails. Chewing gum is a good way to occupy your mouth when you feel the urge to bite your nails. For your hands, try a hobby like knitting, painting, etc. Not only will you stop biting your nails but also you will create something beautiful. 

Another option is to fit artificial nails on your fingers. Maybe you can keep a pair of gloves with you and put them on when you feel like nibbling at your nails. 

Biting your nails is not just an aesthetic problem but also a medical one. If you can stop this bad habit, you will have healthy and great looking nails to show off.