Nail biting, also known as onychophagia, is a common habit that is estimated to affect approximately 20-30% of the population. While it may seem like a simple, harmless behavior, there is actually a lot of science behind it that can help us understand why people bite their nails and how to stop.
One common theory is that nail biting is a form of self-soothing or stress-relief. When we’re anxious or stressed, biting our nails can provide a sense of comfort or distraction. It’s also thought that some people may bite their nails due to underlying issues with impulse control or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
Regardless of the root cause, there are a few strategies that can be helpful in breaking the nail biting habit:
- Keep your nails trimmed and filed. When your nails are short and well-maintained, you’ll be less likely to bite them. Keep a nail file with you at all times and use it to smooth out any rough edges that might tempt you to bite.
- Use bitter-tasting nail polish. There are nail polishes available that have a bitter taste, which can help deter you from biting your nails. Whenever you feel the urge to bite, a quick swipe of this polish should do the trick.
- Find an alternative stress-reliever. Instead of biting your nails, try finding a healthy outlet for your stress or anxiety, such as exercising, meditation, or talking to a friend or therapist.
- Get support from loved ones. It can be helpful to have the support of friends and family members when you’re trying to break the nail biting habit. Ask your loved ones to encourage you and remind you of your goals when you’re feeling tempted to bite.
- Seek professional help. If your nail biting habit is severe or causing significant distress, it may be helpful to seek the guidance of a mental health professional. A therapist or counselor can help you identify the underlying causes of your nail biting and develop a plan to overcome it.