There's also a sort of trance state nail and cuticle biters enter when they're doing things like watching TV or reading a book. It's probably easier to stop biting during those reflective times because it's a nearly unconscious habit. Ask yourself, "Where do I bite my cuticles?" And make a list. Arrange the list so that the places or situations where you bite most frequently are on the top, and then target those first.

For that sort of dreamy state where you nibble because you aren't paying much attention, it may help to start out wearing gloves. If you bite your cuticles when you're lying in bed or watching TV, buy a pair of smooth cotton or silk gloves (as smooth as possible because your hands are probably a little ratty and sensitive), and wear them. You won't be sticking your fingers in your mouth without having to first remove the glove , so you can stop yourself at that first step. Part of stopping any habit is to notice when you're doing it and make an effort to interrupt the process.

If you bite your cuticles when you're stressed, it makes more sense to try to lower the stress. If you can't change the environment or people who are making you tense, you can change your responses to them. Try deep breathing or relaxation exercises to reduce global stress. Get a foam stress ball and squeeze that when you get the urge to bite. Wear gloves if you can, to protect your hands and to give yourself one more hurdle to jump. Sometimes it's possible replace one habit with another, less painful habit. Try chewing gum, or keep your hands occupied by learning to crochet or knit.

Even a minor victory can help motivate you to continue in your new lifestyle. Not biting your cuticles for a week will help your hands heal and soon they'll start to look nice. File your nails, pamper your hands with hand cream and take pride in how nice they look with smooth, healthy cuticles.