NERVOUS HABIT - YOU CAN BREAK IT IN A FEW DAYS

NERVOUS HABIT - YOU CAN BREAK IT IN A FEW DAYS

If you have a nervous habit you'd like to break, don't pull your

hair out. You can put an end to fingernail-biting or

hair-twisting in a matter of several days - and you can do it on

your own.

The following 4-step plan will help you put an end to your

nervous habit for once and for all.

Recognize your bad habit. Increase your awareness of it by

acting it out in front of a mirror. Try to keep track of how

many times during the day you fall into your habit.

Devise a replacement action. If you're a hair-puller, start

carrying a brush and brush your hair each time you get the

pulling or twisting urge. A nail-biter should learn to

substitute filing his or her nails rather than biting.

Bring your habit out of the closet. Advise your work cohorts

and family that you are attempting to break your nervous habit.

Ask them to remind you when they catch you falling into your

habit.

Learn to take it easy. Relaxation will help you put an end to a

nervous habit. When you are too keyed up, your nervous habit

takes over, so learn to do some deep breathing when you begin to

feel uptight about something.

Your biggest hurdle in overcoming your nervous habit is in

recognizing it. Once you do this and really decide you want to

break it, you have done the hardest part. Good luck.