STOP NAIL-BITING!!

We should clarify that each one of us knows that this is a bad habit. When we meet someone, go to a business meeting or a job interview, our hands say more than we could imagine. They expose our hygiene and health habits.

However, we all know someone that is always biting their nails. Why is this so common?

The bad habit of nail-biting is defined as onychophagy, and it is a disorder produced by anxiety, obsession, nerves and stress. We bite our nails when we are nervous or anxious about something, or even out of boredom or inactivity. 

Although many people of different ages have this habit, it usually occurs in puberty: teenagers are always nervous, stressed and very anxious about everything.

There are several ways to stop nail biting. Since it’s a response to stressful situations, we should try to identify what is making us nervous and deal with it emotionally and mentally.

Once this is done, we can focus on quitting the habit.

If you are a woman, a good way to end with this habit is by polishing your nails with a bright colour. If you like the way your hands look when they are clean and polished, you will try to avoid biting your nails, just because they look awesome!

Lots of women have tried bitter nail polish which –of course- is supposed to keep your hand off your mouth because of its bitter taste. This has worked for some people, although stubborn nail-biters keep on with the habit (even when the polishing is absolutely disgusting).

We leave you 11 tips for you to stop biting your beloved nails.  

Milagros Duhart, Micaela Zavalía and Tamara Tissot - 5th Year