Health Exec

Whether you bite your nails, do thumb sucking, or you overeat, these are nervous habits that affect a big number of our population. These actions are often triggered by stress or when we are in a nerve wracking situation.

Some people though may be doing it while they are in a very relaxed state like when you are watching television.

The nervous habits may look harmless but they have their own consequences. Nail biting, for example, can lead to spread of germs. Thumb sucking may cause misalignment of permanent teeth and other oral problems.

It can be very difficult to get rid of these habits but something can be done. Here are some tips:

• You must decide that you want to stop it and you can stop the habit without assistance or with some tricks or aids.
• Nailbiters can try to wear gloves or keep their hands inside their pockets. You can also find other activities to keep your hands busy like squeezing on a stress ball.
• Track what triggers the bad habit and try to address what is causing it.
• Overeating can be very challenging but you must realize that you must have control over the amount of your food intake and that will be the key.
• Smokers may use gums or patches to help them quit and not be dependent to nicotine. Change your routine and trade a stick for a cup of tea or coffee.
• Set goals while you are quitting so you can see the small progress you make leading to achieving your ultimate goal of quitting.
• When you slip a day or two with your quitting, it is not the end of the world. Stand up and start over.

For more stress reduction tips, check out Stressless In Las Vegas, a great stress blog by a life coach from Sin City!