Stop picking my fingers

I have realized that I need to “detach myself from the craving” (this is something I lectured to my students about in the Drugs & Behavior class I teach at a community college). I can’t give excuses anymore, I can’t “kind of” pick…I just have to not touch my fingers at all.

This is similar to when I was starting my recovery from bulimia. The hardest part was re-training my body to accept the feeling of fullness; not necessarily overfullness, but even just the right or normal amount of food. My stomach was trained to be ready to empty its contents when filled, so I had to learn to just sit…and be…and live with the feeling of being nourished. It was so uncomfortable at first, but I found that drinking a big glass of ice water and then moving on to another task that engaged my mind was the perfect solution. Now I don’t think twice about it – I eat healthy portions of good food and live my life.

As far as wanting to pick, I’m getting much better at finding the times when my fingers and thumbs want to come together and tear at each other. I counteract it by making an over-the-top gesture to spread them out and move them away from my line of sight. That is my mental note to get my hands engaged in another task. I am denying myself the satisfaction of that “feels so good” or tension release that I am looking for and directing that energy elsewhere. If I keep it up, I will eventually no longer associate picking my fingers with feeling good because I won’t have felt it for so long.

Interested to hear what others think!

I’m making progress, but I also have some setbacks. I’d like to give myself at least another 3 weeks, but maybe more. I still won’t start a relationship until I figure this out, but I’m not going to put a true time frame on it.

I went to dinner last night, and I sat through the whole things without touching my fingers once. I have multiple creams stacked up on my desk next to my keyboard, so I reach for them and slather my fingers if I get the urge to pick. The journaling is also going well. It’s great to see progress on paper and see it as well. I’m feeling really optimistic about this!

I made it through the weekend fabulously! I started journaling my emotions and trying to be more calm and mindful in everyday life so the motion of picking is not automatic. I also rub Neutrogena Overnight Lip Treatment on the sides of my fingers several times per day. I am able to catch myself when I start to touch my thumbs, and then I immediately stop. I also found that NOT LOOKING at my fingers altogether has helped. I don’t want to jinx it, but I have enough confidence to say that I think this one is a done deal.

I keep telling myself that I will not start a relationship until I finally put this behind me. I have met someone who I want to be with, but I will not see him for 2 weeks. Wish me luck!

but I’m noticing that the URGE to pick is decreasing…I just wish I knew why so I could give you all more support!

I’ve been picking the skin on my thumbs since probably high school, and stopping has been my #1 New Year’s Resolution every year. I’ve been able to stop twice for about 3 weeks and 6 weeks, but I wasn’t able to maintain it. Now that I have a career with an office, I’m able to be a little more in control. I keep a small bottle of Mary Kay extra emollient night cream next to my keyboard (it’s too thick and greasy to actually pu on my skin, but it keeps the skin slick and smooth enough that I can’t pick!). I also bring my make-up bag to work every morning and keep a pair of clippers in it so I can clip off any hanging skin/cuticles instead of picking. I tend to pick most when I’m bored, so I just have to keep myself focused on something all the time. Good luck to everyone!