I'm doing 23 things
It goes in cycles for me too. One major step for me was getting gel nails put on. They were thicker than my real ones and therefore not as useful in picking at my cuticles. And it helped me stop biting my nails! Finally I got sick of the cost of maintenance, so I had the nails taken off and got a really nice manicure. Once I had no rough patches there wasn’t much to pick at.
Every day I wash dishes by hand, then use an orange stick to push back my moist cuticles. (Then I make myself put the stick away.) I also keep sharp nail implements out of sight, because if I see one I want to use it. Instead I carry an emery board and make myself file rough patches on my nails as soon as I notice them. With no sharp corners it’s harder to pick.
I still pick a lot, usually unconsciously, but I try to recognize the triggers so I can prevent picking. The better my hands look, the less likely I am to pick. I’m getting there, and you can too!
