Curb a common habit
Tuesday 16 December 2008
Most people have a habit they're not too happy with, whether it’s biting their nails or knuckle cracking. But habits can be stopped!
What’s a habit?
A habit is a routine of behaviour repeated regularly, which after some time occurs subconsciously without notice.
It can be unnoticeable because it becomes so part of your daily life style that there is no reason for you to question it.
But don’t think you’re strange just because you have one – habits are very common. Many psychologists even say that it’s just part of growing up.
Do the science
Habits can take days or years to fully develop – after which it becomes part of your life. But how does it actually happen?
The human body is made up of trillions of cells. Cells in the nervous system are called neurons, and they are responsive cells that send out signals through chemical electrical signals. There are about 100 billion neurons in your body.
When an action is performed so many times, the neurons in the brain create a pathway especially for that habit – enabling the body to perform the habit faster.
However, this pathway can be broken and thus a habit is curbed – it’s not impossible!
Curb it
Annoying habits can be difficult to break, but there are ways to stop:-
Biting your nails
This is one of the most common habits out there – it even has its own medical name, ‘onychophagia’, and it can lead to split nails, bleeding, infections and pain.
There are loads of ways you can be rid of this habit though. Some chemist sell nail biting cream to rub on your nails that taste so bitter that you won’t want to bite them again.
You can also tape up your fingers making it impossible to bite.
Here's some more advice to stop you from making a meal out of your nails.
Knuckle cracking
Often many people say that knuckle cracking is satisfying – but sometimes people don’t gain any feeling from it at all and just do it on impulse.
Instead of cracking them, why not just give them a little exercise? Stretch them from time to time, bend your fingers back or forth – but not too far or you could hurt yourself.
Sleeping late
Had another late night and woken up feeling like you hardly slept? It’s hard to suddenly sleep at an earlier time, so instead sleep 15 minutes earlier each night until you reach a perfect number of hours.
Drumming your fingers
Often a sign of nervousness or anxiety, many people do this when waiting around or under pressure. Though you're probably releasing nervous energy, you might be annoying others around you too. So instead of making unnecessary sound, why not take a brisk walk instead?
Crunching ice
It might seem harmless but crunching ice is actually bad for your teeth and puts unnecessary pressure on them. Suck ice instead, or even easier, avoid putting them in your mouth altogether!
Helping you on the way
Like many situations, keeping a diary of events really helps. It allows you to track your progress to tell you exactly how well, or, not so well you’re doing, plus you can make further plans to keep you off your habit.
If you’re feeling particularly nervous one day you could reward yourself with a treat or something special for you, not only will it make you feel better but it’ll take your mind away from the habit.
