People bite their nails for various reasons; it could be something you do when you’re nervous or stressed, a habit you picked up as a child or something you don’t even notice you’re doing.
Whatever the reason, you’ll agree it’s a yucky habit. Not only does nail biting ruin your talons and make them look gnarly, it’s also a great way to transfer bacteria from toilets, surfaces and doorknobs (gastro-intestinal infections, colds, ‘flu, even hepatitis) directly into your mouth, so if the kids have started nibbling, now is the time for everyone to nip it in the bud.
Here are three tricks to try for 2017:
1. Buy a deterrent nail polish. These polishes (widely available in pharmacies) taste horrible and the nasty flavour will remind you not to bite every time you raise your fingers to your lips.
2. Book a manicure. Choose a date four weeks from now and make an appointment. The time will give your nails a chance to grow, then the manicure will make your hands look so good you’ll wonder why you ever nibbled those cuticles to begin with.
3. Take a walk. Pent-up anxiety can affect us in ways we don’t even notice. Plan a daily stroll in the great outdoors and stick to your schedule no matter what. Easing stress in ways other than nail biting can help you kick the habit for good.
In need of some extra help? This short video offers five more handy tips…
How did you stop biting your nails? Let us know in the Facebook comments or on Twitter @HerFamilydotie
