Support networks make the difference when changing or breaking a nail biting habit. To successfully change a habit means a person has included people who will encourage and assist when needed. This can be a family member, friend, or professional resources such as doctors, psychotherapists, social workers or hypnotherapists.
1. Use Positive Reinforcement To Manage Your Behavior Change Changing a habit is difficult. But without friends to support you or positive influences stopping your nail biting habit can be even more difficult.
Let your friends and the rest of your support network know about your plans. This reinforces your decision in a very public way and makes it easier to quit.
New activities or a change in environment can be most important during the first critical days and weeks of your stop nail biting plan.
We all remember being yelled at as a child. Yelling is a form of negative reinforcement. In your life, did yelling really stop you from repeating a behavior? Think of the times you were praised for a behavior. Were you more willing to repeat the behavior that was praised?
As an adult, it's the same. Your plan can use positive reinforcement and people to support your plan to change your nail biting habit.
If friends or others bite their nails, then stay away from them. This can be difficult to manage with family members or close friends. Also avoid situations and times where you are tempted to bite your nails.
2. Successful Behavior Deserves Rewards Changes in behavior occur more easily when reinforced. Your brain registers the positive reinforcement or reward as part of the new behavior plan.
Reinforcing the new behavior sends a signal to the brain to override or minimize the old habit. Daily reinforcement makes new behavioral reaction patterns in your brain. All of this focus on the new behavior allows you to stay on track for stopping your nail biting habit.
Reinforcement rewards don't have to be large or even elaborate. Some people use calendars to mark the successful days. If a day is too long, then take it hour by hour. It sound silly, but seeing check marks all lined up can be very reassuring.
If stickers aren't your thing, then make your reward something special for you, a reward you value. The reward doesn't have to be big or even expensive. The idea is to reward yourself for each successful step you take in stopping the nail biting habit.
3. Become A Member of a Support Network Joining with other people either on or offline can provide support on difficult or stressful days. Just type "nail biting support group" into your browser search window. You can use MSN, Google, Yahoo, or AOL to quickly connect you with people sharing the same experience.
Take it easy on yourself. Nail biting like any habit takes time and effort to stop. It took time to learn the behavior. Give yourself permission to take time to stop the behavior.
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