How to Quit Nail Biting

Steps

1. 1. Gather the necessary will power and determination to rid yourself of the fingernail biting habit. There is no amount of help in any form that you can use if you lack the sheer determination to quit nail biting. In other words, you have to want to quit more than you do bite your nails.
2. 2. Find a method that will work for you to get you over the initial hump and get your nails starting to grow again. It can be nasty tasting polish, hypnotism, the rubber band snap on the wrist at each temptation, or just raw will power to get in control.
3. 3. Become aware of your pre-biting routines. Until you know what triggers your biting, you won't have a clue how to defend against urges, especially those that happen in moments of stress, anxiety or boredom.
4. 4. Learn basic nail care grooming techniques. Use tools and products daily to help minimize rough skin, hangnails and ragged nail edges.
5. 5. Come up with a technique you can use anywhere anytime to help you avert and distract your nail biting urges.

Tips

• Make sure you carry a nail file and clippers with you at all times.
• In the early going, you should also carry a set of nippers. There are travel versions in leather cases that fit in any pocket or purse.
• Keep lotion around to use during the day. Get a good cuticle cream to use in the morning and at night.
• Subscribe to the Quit Nail Biting Now blog at: http://www.quitnailbiting.now. It offers regular updates on tools, techniques, products and inspirational insight all aimed at helping you to quit nail biting once and for all.

Things You'll Need

• Look into joining an online forum, such as http://www.nailbitersanonymous.com to get ongoing peer support and suggestions.
• Consider picking up a copy of How to Stop Nail Biting. You can find it discounted on Amazon.com. It provides a thorough solution to help you conquer your nail biting habits with practical advice. There are other books and programs that have helpful suggestions. The ones I'v seen stop short of giving a full solution that takes into account the long time afterwards when there is still danger or relapsing. Basically, anything that gets you to stop nail biting is good. If you find something that helps you long-term, all the better.

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