How I did it: I had previously used biting deterrents like foul-tasting polish, or had even gone as far as putting Band-Aids on my finger tips - all to keep me from biting.  But no amount of polish or bandage is going to hold back the determined and experienced biter.

Then I realized these things were never meant to keep me from biting, they were meant to remind me that I didn't want to bite, so I could use that opportunity to train myself to choose not to bite.  All of these things were meant to assist, not replace, my own self-discipline.

At about the one-month mark, I suddenly had a very strong urge to bite at one of my nails that was particularly "flexible" (because they're still not super-strong), and was glad for the weeks I'd spent telling myself "no" and learning how to use a nail file or emory board properly.

Lessons & tips:

1. Don't think that any tool is going to do it for you. You need to truly desire for yourself to stop biting.
2. Keep your fingers away from and out of your mouth. It's not healthy
   (germy), it's not attractive, and it's not necessary; it'll only
   increase your temptation.
3. When you realize you're biting, remind yourself that you want healthy nails more than you want to "fix" that imperfection or more than you want whatever it is that urges you to bite / pick in the first place.
4. Keep a pair of nail clippers and an emory board on hand. Emory boards are really cheap, often sold in ten-packs for $1.00.  Instead of biting or picking at your nails, clean up any rough or uneven edges properly. Leave one in your car, one in your purse, one on your nightstand, etc.
5. Ask others how they maintain their nails. I had been biting my nails since I had teeth, and never learned how to care for my nails.  This includes keeping them clipped and filed, cleaning beneath the nail, how to take care of your cuticles and surrounding skin, etc. It's not at all difficult, but I just never knew how.
6. Be healthy altogether. Eat foods rich in Vitamin E, keep your hands clean and lotioned, and even consider rewarding yourself with a spa-quality hand massage and manicure. (I did, and it was wonderful!)

Resources:

• I used SolarOil on and around my nails to strengthen them and keep them from drying out. It's a little pricey, but it made me feel like I was pampering myself, and gave me extra incentive to leave my nails be.
• I also told my friends often that it had been "xx" days since I'd last bitten, and they were all encouraging. Showing off my progress was a way to keep myself accountable.  Eventually, I went to get my first manicure, after three weeks of not biting, with a friend. That was motivating and rewarding. Friends are also a great resource of advice.

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May 30, 2011, 08:12AM PDT | 2 comments | 5 cheers