An adult biting nails

Natural Remedies to Stop Nail Biting

Stop nail biting can be easier said than done particularly when you have developed a habit of biting your nails. Whether you are a child or an adult nail biting can lead to more serious conditions if this habit is not changed.

You may begin to bleed, can get infected and nail biting can also destruct the nails and and the surrounding skin. It can be socially embarrassing and can be seen as a weakness among corporate executives.

People of all ages can get into nail biting habits. Youngsters are more affected than any other age group. Frustration, anxiety, stress, boredom or loneliness can be the causes of your habit of nail biting.

 

Nail biting habit generally develops during childhood and continues into adulthood.

Occasionally you can literally get into nail biting situations such as watching a favourite sports team struggling to win. It can cause moments of anxiety when opportunities seem favourable and action is awaited. Such occasional nail biting is perfectly Ok and you need not worry too much about it as it is not a habit.

Whatever is the cause of nail biting you shouldn't let it become a habit. Following home remedies will help you to stop nail biting.

Simple Ways to Stop Nail Biting

Changing any habit requires a well thought strategy and a disciplined action plan. Your nail biting habits will also require a commitment from your side. You can't stop nail biting until you consciously decide to conquer this subconscious habit.

Some of these ways to stop nail biting are based on simple commonsense and the others are based on creating roadblocks.

1. Cut Your Nails

Cut the problems from its roots. If there is no nail then what will you bite? Make a new habit of regularly cutting your nails.

Check your nails daily and keep a nail cutter handy. If you see growth cut them. Take your time to trim them and polish them. They will not only look good but also stop you from biting as there is no nail to bite.

2. Learn to Relax

Anxiety and stress are the main triggers for nail biting. If you can learn to relax then you can easily get rid of your bad habit of nail biting.

Exercise, yoga meditation and breathing are some of the best ways to relax. Learn meditation and breathing techniques. More oxygen supply will reduce stress and anxiety.

Walk for 45 minutes daily as a routine. This new habit alone will make such a big difference in feeling good.

If you can wake up early in the morning and start your day with a 45 minutes of walk, then you will do a lot more good to your body than just helping yourself with more oxygen supply. When coupled with breathing exercises during the day, you are almost going to renew you. Whenever you get time, sit on a chair and do deep breathing for 5-10 minutes. Eat your dinner early and go to bed early. Your anxiety and stress will reduce and you will stop the nail biting habit.

3. Pick up a New Hobby

If your nail biting habit is not because of stress and anxiety but because of boredom and loneliness, then it is time to pick up a new hobby that can keep you busy. Depending on your liking you can choose anything that keeps you engaged and entertained. It can range from reading, writing, playing or any other hobby under the sun that makes you happy.

The Internet is a very powerful tool today. You can get evolved in personal development, blogs and online videos can really give you enough material to keep you engaged in your personal development. make sure that browsing the internet doesn't become your new craze and addiction. There is a limit to everything and know your limit.

4. Create Barriers to Stop nail Biting

In addition to attacking the root causes of nail biting as explained above,you can also create barriers to resist the temptation to bite your nails. There are a number of ways that you can do it. Some will work well for you and the others may not. Choose what suits you.

  • Wear Gloves - Wear gloves to keep your nails under wraps. You simply can not bite them and can cause any further damage. It may be annoying to keep wearing the gloves throughout the day and night , but it may work for many.
  • Apply Adhesive Bandage - You can apply adhesive bandage on your fingertips. This will discourage you from taking your fingers in the mouth. You can keep the tape throughout the day. remove it at night and the next day apply another one.
  • Apply Cayenne Powder - Apply red chili powder on your finger tips. Knowing that it is hot will stop you from biting. Be careful if you have any injury to the fingers or any open pores. Cayenne powder will sting.
  • Apply Bitter Gourd Juice - Bitter gourd juice is bitter. Apply it on the fingertips and you will not prefer to keep the finger in your mouth.

 5. Artificial Nails

This is a great way to stop nail biting. Wear artificial nails. There are a large variety of artificial nails available in the market. They are inexpensive too. Lots of normal people are wearing them to look better. You wear them to stop nail biting and look better. Great!

Choose the right size to fit you otherwise they may fall off and the desired objective is not achieved.

During the childhood your parents would have been after you to stop nail biting. That kind of external deterrents are not there with you in your adulthood. You have to be yourself conscious and committed to stop nail biting with your own efforts.

All the above mentioned methods to stop nail biting are effective in varying degrees. You will get best results and faster recovery from this bad habit of nail biting by committing yourself to stop it. A commitment itself is a very strong trigger for action.

Your overall health will also improve if you have begun to exercise and do yoga, deep breathing and meditation to stop nail biting.