1. Make the Decision

Part of the equation in how to stop biting your nails is making the decision that you are going to do it. You need to harness your willpower and just decide this is going to be done. Deciding to do something and feeling determined gives you much greater odds than deciding to do something half-heartedly. You may even want to make it a little public and tell those you are close to. Not only does this encourage you more but it can help to keep you accountable.

2. Buy Some Bad Tasting Polish

There are many products on the market that can help you when you are trying to stop biting your nails. You apply the product to your nails and the bad taste should give you a deterrent to stop this habit. Why would you want to continue to put something in your mouth that tastes unpleasant? A few times of getting a taste of this should be enough to stop you from continuing. Another benefit is if you do forget and begin to bite your nails, you will get a quick reminder.

3. Chew Gum

Chewing gum is a great thing to do in place of biting your nails. When you catch yourself wanting to bite your nails, reach for a piece of gum instead. This gives you something to do with your mouth and will hopefully alleviate some of the urge you have to bite your nails. This is also a very simple alternative. It is cost effective and you probably already have gum on hand, anyways.

4. Realize It is a Nervous Habit

You know, biting your nails is a nervous habit. I know this because it is something I did years ago myself. It is something people do when they are nervous in any given situation. Realizing that can help you to break the habit. It helps you to be aware that the temptation to bite your nails may rise when you are in certain situations.

5. Reward Yourself along the Way

You know, I do not know about others but rewards work very effectively for me. I try to build rewards in for myself when I am trying to reach a goal. It can be something small like swinging by a coffee shop for your favorite beverage or something bigger such as a pair of boots you have been wanting. Whatever fits your personality and your budget. You know what works best for you in this situation.

6. Think about All the Germs You Are Putting in Your Mouth

This is a great, great motivator, especially for germaphobes like me. I do not want to come in contact with any germ I can avoid and many of you are the same way. Just thinking about all of the germs you are introducing to your body when you bite your nails could be a great deterrent. This is especially true in cold and flu season. When you get ready to bite your nails, think of all of the different illnesses you could catch if you do.

7. Get Your Nails Professionally Done

Another great tip is to get your nails professionally done. Not only do you have a barrier to keep you from biting your nails but you also have spent some hard earned cash on a manicure. Do you really want to throw that away? More than likely not. You also may get some compliments on your pretty nails which can help to keep you motivated to not continue biting them.

It is hard to stop biting your nails but it can be done. Share your story with me. How did you finally break this habit?