Posted by fallsfall on September 5, 2004, at 12:20:23
In reply to Bad Habits Quitting, posted by tinydancer on September 5, 2004, at 4:26:17
My sense is that the urges get stronger after you quit for a while before they start to dissipate. So it doesn't surprise me that you are having more trouble now.
Two suggestions:
Can you paint your nails or put on fake nails to make it more "in your face" that you want to make this change?
Can you substitute some other nervous habit for the nail biting to get through the hardest time? Like carry a water bottle everywhere you go (they are acceptable in almost all social situations) - you can fiddle with the cap, or the label, trace the contours of the bottle. Different brands have differently shaped bottles, I have found many many ways to discharge energy with water bottles... Or carry something in your pocket (I carry a rabbit's foot - fiddle qualities plus comforting (soft) qualities), you can put your hand in your pocket and fiddle (usually without anyone knowing), or if it is socially acceptable (like in therapy...) you can pull it out and fiddle. Pocketbooks, rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces can also provide ways to release nervous energy. [I do find that I "need" the waterbottle and rabbit's foot more or less at different times. I guess that at some point I hope that I can "give them up", but in the meantime, they aren't hurting anyone and having water with me is healthy.]
I am really impressed that you are doing this. These kinds of habits are incredibly hard to break. Allow yourself some crutches a long the way.
Good luck!
poster:fallsfall
thread:386588
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/psycho/20040905/msgs/386692.html