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Nov 12, 2023

What is body

You might be wondering, what in the world are these body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)? Well, if you have ever found yourself biting your nails in nervousness, twirling your locks

You might be wondering, what in the world are these body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs)? Well, if you have ever found yourself biting your nails in nervousness, twirling your locks absentmindedly, or picking your skin due to anxiety, then you have already experienced some examples of BFRB. Let us delve into the whys and hows of it and learn how to manage these behaviors.

Body-focused repetitive behavior occurs when people have a strong urge to compulsively engage in body-focused habits, like picking their skin, shaking their legs, biting their nails, chewing their cheeks, or twirling their hair. It can be challenging for some individuals to control these behaviors, even when they cause pain or harm. BFRBs are also linked to conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or generalized anxiety disorder.

People with BFRBs are not driven by concerns about their appearance. Instead, it's more like a habit they feel compelled to do, often without even realizing it. Usually, they use these habits to feel less anxious and tense. Explore the following methods to effectively handle your BFRBs, allowing you to shine with confidence and reveal your best self.

Let's say you have a habit of biting your nails when you are stressed. When the urge to bite your nails arises, pause for a moment and observe how you feel without being hard on yourself. Instead of biting your nails, you could try deep breathing exercises or squeezing a stress ball to manage those feelings more healthily.

If you often find yourself picking your skin, try using stress-relief toys like a squishy ball or playing with a fidget to keep your hands busy. Another option is to doodle or draw, which can serve as a substitute. You can also wear a bracelet or a band on your wrist and gently snap it whenever you feel the urge to pick your skin.

Behavior blocking is all about putting up physical barriers that can help reduce the chances of getting hurt. For instance, wearing gloves can prevent nail-biting, tying hair up can stop hair pulling, and using a mouth guard can prevent cheek chewing. These barriers make you think twice about your actions and give you a moment to pause before you engage in repetitive behavior.