Reason behind common habit, according to psychologist
Nail biting and skin picking are not just mindless reflexes, they are survival mechanisms, according to psychological analysis of our daily habits. There is no clear reason why people bite their nails, but there are a few theories. These include starting the habit to cope with challenging emotions, boredom and the need to keep your hands busy, as well as inheriting the habit from parents. These behaviours may seem counterintuitive, unhygienic, and in some cases, painful. But clinical psychologist Dr Charlie Heriot-Maitland has suggested we have developed these “small harms” to protect ourselves. “By creating a small sensation, the body
