Calming the Chaos: What Anxeity is?: Nail biters, I’m back with new help

In a Nutshell

It's been a minute since I've been in your inboxes! How've you been? I'm doing amazingly because so many of you responded to my previous newsletter about how to stop nail biting with genius tips — and thoughtful perspectives about why we engage in this habit — for me to explore.

Below, I share some of my favorite messages from our inbox. A big thank you to everyone who chimed in!

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TYSM!
Kenny Thapoung
Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Kenny Thapoung
June 16, 2025 • 3 min read

what's got us buzzing

Your tips on how to stop biting your fingertips

"The only time I did it was in high school, and what worked for me was having a competition with a friend to see who could stop the longest, and keeping my nails painted. Good luck!"

— I'm an overly competitive person, so I love this idea.

"You want to stop biting your nails? There are three easy hacks: 1) relax, 2) relax and keep your hands away from you, 3) relax and just relax."

— Much easier said than done, my friend. But I appreciate the reminder to make time for myself!

"Well, Kenny, my solution may not be the right solution for you. I apply fake nails. For the 2 weeks that the nails stay on, there is no nail biting. When they fall off, it only takes me a few days to find a rough edge or a chip or ANYTHING [so] I have to even the nail [or else] I go to the races. As they fall off, I simply reapply each one."

— You're right: Fake nails are not really my jam. I'm open to giving it a shot though! My friends are all pros at applying nails onto their own hands.

"Aversion therapy: Put an elastic band on your wrist. Whenever you engage in the primary nail/skin biting behavior … you pull the band back and snap it onto your wrist."

— I've heard of this! And I'm scared. Perhaps I should start with using a hair tie first?

"I tried (which worked) wearing light plastic gloves in [the] evening when watching TV, which is the time I sit and bite them if I am going to at all."

— CLEVER. I find myself doing this mindlessly while watching TV or scrolling on my phone. I'm searching for cute gloves now.

There's one more message I'd like to share:

"I just read your piece about the nail biting that you've been doing your whole life. I have the exact same horrible problem, and it drives me CRAZY too! I've even chipped a front tooth once as well. Like you, I've considered getting a manicure but also would feel judged by the nail technician and don't want to deal with it. Reading what you wrote made me feel better that I'm not alone with this ugly habit that I would give anything to kick.

Would you mind sharing with me what you hear from others as I'd love to know if anyone has a 'magic' response that might work for me to stop biting my nails? At 60 years old, I would really like to conquer this issue."

This. This is why I'm grateful to find time in my workflow to speak with our subscribers. What I'm going through may relate to one of you. If the personal stories that the team and I share help you feel seen, that's a win in our books.

I wish I had more time to talk with you! But I do check our inboxes at least once a day. If you ever want to reach out to wellnesswire@healthline.com to connect with me, I'd love to catch up.

STOP BITING YOUR NAILS

GREAT FINDS

To infinity

Lifidea Metal Fidget Cube

I used this infinity cube — infinity meaning it folds and unfolds into a block endlessly — for a few months, and it stopped me from biting my nails sometimes. If you're looking for a nifty gadget to keep your hands busy, I really like this option! It's more expensive than other fidget toys, but I found it more enjoyable to use than those that involve clicking buttons.

SHOP NOW

Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.

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How did you feel about this newsletter?

Email wellnesswire@healthline.com with comments related to this newsletter or topics you'd like to see in future editions. The newsletter editors read every message that lands in our inbox — yes, really! We look forward to hearing from you.

Until next time,

Take care of yourself, and we'll see
you again soon!

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Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Healthline does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice from a healthcare professional. Healthline encourages you to make any treatment decisions with your healthcare professional.

Every product we recommend has gone through either Healthline's or Optum Now's vetting processes. If you buy through links on this page, we may receive a small commission or other tangible benefit. Healthline has sole editorial control over this newsletter. Potential uses for the products listed here are not health claims made by the manufacturers. Healthline and Optum Now are owned by RVO Health.

Calming the Chaos: What Anxeity is?

ponedjeljak, 16. lipnja 2025.

Nail biters, I’m back with new help

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