There are many habits, the harm of which we do not ponder, because the consequences are waiting for us somewhere in the distant future. Even frightening inscriptions on packets of cigarettes are not very impressive for heavy smokers. Meanwhile, the habit of gnawing nails depresses any woman, because the consequences of such dubious pleasure on the face, or rather, on the hands, almost immediately. Uneven nails of ugly shape, burrs, bleeding wounds - which is to say, such a "business card" is a shame to present.
If you are thinking about how to stop nibbling your nails, read this article to the end. We have collected for you the proven advice of grandmothers, the recommendations of psychologists and those who have already coped with this unpleasant habit.
Why do people bite their nails?
Doctors even have such a term - onychophagy. So your habit of gnawing your nails is quite a disease. The reasons for it are not fully understood (there are theories that some people do not have enough nutrients), but the most common opinion is that the craving for nails is an expression of stress, nervousness, and self-doubt. By the way, it is this portrait - an uncertain and, perhaps, secretive person - that is drawn to others in the head, if you chew on your nails.
How to get bored of nails?
Let's start with the methods tested by time :
- To smear fingernails or nails an iodine. This method has a number of advantages: a specific taste of iodine interrupts all desire to put a finger in the mouth, and disinfecting properties help with bleeding wounds. In addition, iodine strengthens the nail plate and helps to cope with its stratification - an almost inevitable consequence of the habit of gnawing the nails. Less is quite obvious - appearance. However, iodine quickly evaporates, and the nails that are gnawed are not the best sight either;
- if you are still embarrassed by the color of iodine, use an alternative option - mustard;
- you can scratch your fingernails with soap. Gnawing such nails, too, will not give you any pleasure.
There are more modern weapons to combat the habit of gnawing nails :
- expensive manicure. Agree, how can you not stop biting your nails, if you just made yourself a stunning manicure? In the first couple choose a bright varnish: first, short nails will look neater, and secondly, the chipped lacquer will be more noticeable. It's important not to leave your nails uncoated the whole time you throw nails;
- nail extension. Many girls are helped by this method. It is not convenient to nibble on nails, and it is useless to eat it. To volume, you will see the result - long, beautiful nails, an ideal to which you can come, throw you this addiction;
- special lacquer. In pharmacies, you can find a varnish, designed so that you can not gnaw your feet. It is bitter and unpleasant, although, in comparison with popular methods, we still tolerate it. For greater effect, combine this method with the previous ones;
- spa treatments. Look after your hands. Take baths with sea salt, make masks for hands, use a scrub, massage each finger. Feel that your hands are worthy of another attention.
And a few psychological techniques :
- try to cope with stress and nervousness. Walking in the fresh air, playing sports, outdoor activities - all this distracts from the habit of gnawing nails;
- while reading and working at a computer, keep fruit or toothpicks nearby. In case, if you really want something to gnaw - take revenge on them. You can buy a special ring for children, whose teeth are cut;
- try to watch yourself. Use the method of the carrot and stick, depriving yourself, for example, sweet for every bitten nail. And, on the contrary, pamper yourself for every overgrown millimeter of marigolds;
- if you are impressionable, imagine a huge number of larvae of worms and bacteria that live under your fingernails. Consequences of the habit of gnawing nails can be intestinal, and infectious diseases, and even infection of the blood.
And one more tip: find in the purse a place for manicure accessories, in time to cope with the temptation to correct a broken nail.