If you're someone who bites their nails, don't worry. You're not alone! According to research, around 20-30% of people bite their nails, and it's a habit that can start in childhood and continue through adulthood. From the outside looking in, nail biting might seem like just a nervous tic or a bad habit. However, there are some surprising reasons why people bite their nails that may give us some insight into why this behavior persists.
It’s more common than you think
What could be better evidence than statistics for proving how commonplace nail-biting is? Though this disgusting custom isn’t widely discussed by everyone,
Stress & Anxiety Are Often Factors!
One of the most common explanations for nail biting is stress and anxiety. When we feel anxious or stressed out - whether it's because of work pressure or personal issues - we tend to look for ways to alleviate those feelings. For many people, biting their nails becomes an outlet for these emotions.
Interestingly enough, so much so, studies have found that when people were asked what caused them to start biting their fingernails initially most said it was due to stress levels from school problems such as homework assignments being too difficult; emotional hardships i.e., death knell times etcetera still others recognized triggers at home when chemical imbalances with thyroidism had seemed off balance-providing pertinent information between dermatology reports giving great insight on impact cortisol has on human skin would further assist in understanding patterns correlating between psychological comfortability compounded along with physical composure creating anxiety-based reactions eventually leading up towards vicious cycle cultivating long-term negative effects if left unresolved
In fact, according to experts, "nail-biting is often associated with social situations that cause tension." So if you find yourself nibbling away while presenting in front of your boss or talking to your crush, know that you're not alone.
Boredom Can Also Be a Factor?
While stress and anxiety are more obvious reasons for nail-biting, it's easy to forget that boredom can also be a factor. For some people, biting their nails is an automatic behavior they engage in when they have nothing else to do. Like twirling your hair or cracking your knuckles out of habit - it can become ingrained in our daily routine.
It may seem harmless enough but biting nails could actually turn into one’s hobby when faced with random schedules especially accompanied by unsettling emptiness-further detailed information herein lies; research exploring links between manicuring practices amides dull lifestyle routines appearing to cause higher adoption rates among certain individuals appeared intriguingly relevant
It Could Be Genetic
Another surprising reason why people bite their nails? Genetics! Yes- you heard me right.According to researchers at the University of Plymouth who conducted studies on families known for being nail biters over two generations.’Nail biting was found to be 25% genetic while OCD tendencies were determined as causing remaining oral habits like thumb sucking’
But hold on-just because genes could predispose someone towards the tendency doesn’t automatically mean just yet developed cases present neurological damage underlying unknown health risks due its implications which require further examination into individual variations observed within family lines themselves
Nail-biting Has Other Impacts Too
There are other impacts apart from social awkwardness linked directly with nail-biting. Let us discuss these effects separately:
Dental Damage:
It turns out that chewing away(something) has another effect beyond ruining ones pretty hands! We've all been told how important dental hygiene is since childhood. One thing kids aren't warned about though ? Harm caused through making teeth weaker . Research carried showed extensive breakdown from harmful germs transfer which would then typically rots leading up tooth loss if continued perpetually Having already weakened skin around cuticles causes even more trouble since bacteria from germs consume tissue causing bleeding and leading to infections-maybe not so good after all!
Infections!
As previously mentioned-unresolved inflammation caused by tearing finely permeable enclosing areas around nails in repeated manner create an open door ripe for bacterial growth which could lead towards some pretty nasty infections. Staphylococcus Aureus(commonly referred to as “staph”)is type of bacteria commonly reported seen with long periods of unmanaged biting leading up towards painful sores or abscesses that require medical attention.
Social awkwardness:
No matter how you slice it, nail-biting just doesn't look attractive. It lowers self-esteem too! People tend to cringe when they see someone biting their nails especially if the person is doing so compulsively during a group meeting or on public transport mixed with general anxiety makes one feel incompetent besides feeling socially ostracized
We've talked about what makes people bite their nails - but how can you stop this habit if you want to? Here are some tips:
Keep Hands Busy
One way to stop yourself from biting your nails is by keeping your hands occupied. This means finding other things to do when you're bored or stressed out such as playing with toys designed for ADHD control, using portable fidgets like Stress Balls; cubes etcetera- options abound!
Painting Nails:
This may seem like an obvious solution, but painting your nails might actually help reduce nail-biting tendencies because the polish will give them something harder than chewed-off fingernails' surfaces thereby creating prevention-reinforcement mechanism against easy pull's off.
Another idea is giving monthly visits ladies love getting their manicures done often said its considered essential me-time bonding session forming emotional connections creating healthier communication skills adding social value!
Trimmed Wrists?:
A recently emerging practice referred to as "stop hands"or elastic ““nailbiters” would involve using bracelets to enclose wrist while nails are growing out could be distracting enough thus causing someone not want to bite anymore .
Chew Gum
Another trick that some people find helpful is chewing gum - this can help redirect nervous energy or compulsive behavior like nail biting specifically towards jaws keeping it at bay during unavoidable stress-filled circumstances.
Conclusion:
While nail-biting might seem like just a bad habit, there are actually several reasons why people engage in this behavior. From stress and anxiety to boredom and even genetics, there are many factors that contribute to this common habit. So the next time you see someone nibbling away at their cuticles, remember: there may be more going on beneath the surface than meets the eye!