We live in a fast-paced world that produces a seemingly never-ending barrage of stress. From work and family obligations to disheartening news stories to living amid a worldwide pandemic, anxiety is at an all-time high. As a result, we lean into bad habits, like nail biting, cuticle picking, and thumb sucking.

While these habits can ease anxiety in the moment, they have a number of negative side effects. For one, putting your hands in your mouth is a huge no-no when it comes to your overall health. Dirty fingers in your mouth can potentially lead to contracting germs or viruses, resulting in more frequent colds or potential illnesses. Nibbling can also lead to redness and infection around the cuticle, damage to the nails and skin, as well as abnormal growth.

Combat this behavior by making a concerted effort to manage your stress. Ensure that you’re eating well, exercising, and getting ample sleep. It’s also vital to practice self-care. There are simple steps you can take to help break nervous habits. Keep nails trimmed or even treat yourself to regular manicures. Not only can having attractive nails encourage you to keep from biting, but the self-care practice may help relieve stress. For an added deterrent, top nails with Resist Nail Bite Inhibitor + Restorative Treatment. The clear polish can be worn alone or over lacquer and gives off a distinct bitter taste to discourage nail biting. Plus, the peptide-infused strengthening formula helps restore damaged nails.