If you pick your nose it will get bigger. How to get rid of the habit of picking your nose. Worsening bad habit

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It would seem that picking one's nose is a private matter for everyone, unless, of course, this happens in public. However, the researchers found that pneumococci are transmitted through the contact of dirty hands and the nasal mucosa(previously it was thought that this happens only by airborne droplets). These bacteria, once in the lungs or bloodstream, cause diseases ranging from ear infections and sinusitis to meningitis and pneumonia. And this is just one of the troubles that this common bad habit can lead to.

American scientists conducted a survey on this topic and found that 91% of respondents are interested in the contents of the nose from time to time, and 17% consider this habit a serious problem. The urge to pick your nose is called rhinotillexomania and leads to damage to the mucous membrane, which opens the gates of infection, including pneumococcal.

Pneumococci of various types (there are about 90 in total) live peacefully in the nasopharynx of 60-90% of healthy people without any consequences for the carrier, but if they get into a weakened body, a disease can develop. Particular risk of pneumococcal infection exposed 3 categories of people:

• children from 6 months to 5 years;
• elderly people over 65;
• those who have a weakened immune system (for example, after a viral illness).

Since pneumococcal disease is extremely common, the World Health Organization recommends that children be vaccinated against it at an early age.

How to get rid of the habit of picking your nose

• Clear your nose regularly. The author of a book about everyday myths and the host of the telegram channel about evidence-based medicine “Moist Mantu” Daria Sargsyan writes that this should be done carefully, cleaning each nostril in turn, otherwise there is strong pressure when blowing your nose, which can lead to mucus being thrown into the paranasal sinuses and their inflammation.
• Carry paper handkerchiefs with you so that when discomfort arises, you can use them.

Trim your nose hairs - the longer and thicker they are, the more they capture dust particles from the air, making you want to scratch your nose.

Pay attention to situations that make you want to indulge in a bad habit: boredom, long waiting, thinking. Try to take something in your hand at this moment, for example, an anti-stress toy.

Find out the cause of discomfort in the nose - dry mucous membranes can be a sign of allergies.

Wash your hands - if you pick your nose, then according to all the rules of hygiene!

What to do if your child picks his nose

If your child does not remove his finger from his nose, then there is no need to scream, punish, laugh at him and shame him - this can lead to an aggravation of the habit when he runs away from you to do what he loves. Regular clarifications and a clear line of conduct will help.

• Patiently explain that the nose, like the teeth, needs to be cleaned every day. Help the child with this procedure, you can use a saline solution.
• Cut the child's nails short so that he does not scratch the mucous membrane and does not bring the infection into the blood.
• Every time you notice a finger in your child's nose, send him to wash his hands: the need to take his mind off the game and go to the bathroom will make him pick his nose less often.
• Be sure to tell your baby stories on this topic: for example, how the bear cub picked his nose and got sick, and the microbes were very happy about this and sang funny songs. But then the mother bear taught him how to use a handkerchief, he recovered and ran to play with friends, and the evil microbes had to look for another "home".
• Distract: pencils, toys, plasticine - if your hands are busy, there is less desire to put your finger in your nose.
• Use a humidifier and regularly ventilate the room, because if the mucus in the child's nose regularly dries up, it means that he breathes too dry and warm air.
• If nose picking is his personal method of coping with anxiety, teach your toddler other relaxation techniques: breathing, hugging, etc.
• Constant nose picking can be a sign of various health problems: allergies, ENT diseases, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and even attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Therefore, if this childhood habit has become a serious problem, consult a doctor.

Do you have any shameful habits?

The simple habit of picking one's nose can indicate a person's psychological disorder. Scientists have found that in about 75% of people picking their nose is considered a habit, in the rest of the cases it is a pathology. Where is the line between habit and pathology? What is the risk of frequent nose picking?

Nose picking has been considered a safe human habit for the time being. Scientists say that if you pick your nose a couple of times a day and devote no more than 5 minutes to “cleaning your nose”, this will not be considered a deviation from the norm, but excessive enthusiasm for this activity will be considered a sign of a psychological disorder.

American scientists Jefferson and Thompson conducted a study among the population of Wisconsin. It turned out that approximately 91% of those surveyed pick their noses. Approximately 75% admitted that they pick their nose every day, on average they devote from 1 minute to 2 hours of time for this activity. The researchers concluded that in most cases nose picking is just a habit, but in some cases it can turn into a pathology.

The term rhinotillexomania (lat. rhinotillexomania) is used specifically to refer to painful picking. Some people are so engrossed in this activity that they simply do not notice that they have unknowingly injured their nose - nosebleeds or more serious injuries that require surgery. In these cases, scientists tend to think of pathology.

Recently, the media have increasingly begun to write about the benefits of picking your nose. We can assure you that this is not entirely true. Scientists said that the mucous membrane contains a large number of receptors, the stimulation of which affects various functions of the body. Yes, this process slightly stimulates mental activity, but not as much as you think. However, it is not recommended to frequently or specifically irritate the nasal mucosa, because this activity will lead to bleeding and inflammation. This can be done, for example, in cases where you have the flu, dried mucus closes the airways and therefore you need to clean your nose to free your nostrils, but it is not at all necessary to devote 2 hours to this process (!).

In medical practice, there are cases when constant picking in the nose has led to a hole in the nasal septum. There were also cases when a man liked to pick his nose with his finger so often that he deformed his nose.

So, a little good stuff. But even moderate picking is not completely harmless. In 2006, a group of Dutch scientists found that nose picking promotes the spread of all kinds of bacteria. These bacteria can lead to a furuncle, an inflammation of the hair follicle. Think about whether you spend a little time a day “cleaning your nose”?

Unbelievable but true: more than 90% of people have a habit of picking their nose. As a result of studies conducted by American and Indian scientists, it turned out that 9 out of 10 people pick their nose almost daily.

For as long as I can remember, I have always had snot. Both in winter and in summer, the nose was either completely clogged, then one nostril, then the other. I was so used to it that I took it as the norm. And of course, in order to somehow cope with a stuffy nose, I got into the habit of picking my nose.

And only recently, studying habits, I learned that the cause of snot is not colds, but self-esteem. And the habit of picking one's nose is associated with the recognition of one's merits. What I need is not to drip drops in my nose, but to increase my self-esteem. Snot is the consequences, but you need to find the cause. I need to recognize my worth more often and be proud of my achievements, and then the snot will go away on its own.

The nose symbolizes self-esteem, recognition of oneself as a person, one's uniqueness and value. Suffice it to recall some folk expressions: “Turn up your nose”, “Mosquito will not undermine your nose”, “Do not poke your nose”.

I began to remember what could be the reason for low self-esteem. And in his memoirs he came to an incident at school. It was a fight with a classmate. The whole class gathered behind the school to see who was who. My opponent was less respected in the class, so basically everyone was rooting for me. But I didn't win. And didn't lose. During a fight, after another blow, my classmate dodged and I hit a concrete wall with my hand. The intense pain shattered my spirit. Tears gushed from his eyes. I stood and smeared them on my cheeks. Lips trembled with resentment and pain.

We stopped the fight. I was dissatisfied. Even though I didn't formally lose, I felt like a loser on the inside. And after that, I subconsciously began to doubt my strength, my capabilities. From that moment on, a runny nose began to follow me everywhere.

A runny nose is subconscious tears, this is the so-called crying of the soul. The subconscious mind brings out deeply repressed feelings of grief, pity, disappointment or regret about unfulfilled dreams or plans.

I use my nose to breathe and let the world in. And my nose can get stuffy when I want to withdraw from the world for a while, when I don't want to communicate with anyone. Sometimes I feel that the people around me do not perceive me the way I would like. I feel that there is some kind of barrier in recognizing my efforts and merits. And then I want to remove this barrier and start picking my nose. I clear my nose to get recognition from other people, to feel my worth and worth.

How to get rid of the habit of picking your nose? You need to boost your self-esteem. A simple and wonderful way to increase self-esteem was suggested by Jack Canfield in one of his books. In any free minute, in any place, you need to repeat the phrase: "I like myself."

I tried it - it really works. No matter how strange it may sound, but as soon as I start repeating this sentence “I like myself”, my back straightens, my gait becomes confident and a smile appears on my face. Just one phrase repeated to myself makes me a different person!

The habit of picking one's nose is harmless in and of itself. But it shows the deep causes that cause it. Appreciate yourself more often, love yourself, repeat the phrase “I like myself” and you will be surprised to find that this harmless habit of picking your nose is no longer connected with you.

And to understand this topic even deeper and stop picking your nose will help a magnificent free 7-day course of Professor, Doctor of Science Anatoly Sergeevich Donskoy "Feel the Energy of Thought"

I'm sure you'll be pleasantly surprised!

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How to stop picking your nose: get rid of rhinotillexomania

We continue our story about bad habits, which can rightly be called addictions or manic cravings. You have probably already met with an extremely harmful tendency - the habit of twisting and pulling out hair, which we talked about in detail. Today we will talk about another unpleasant phenomenon - picking your nose.
Such a human action is an extremely repulsive sight, perceived by others as a lack of culture of a person. Thirst to pick one's nose is a manner that is unhealthy, since such a hobby can lead to serious damage to the mucous membrane of the nasal passages. Nose picking is a distinguishing feature of a person from other representatives of the animal world, since no animal is allowed to indulge in such a procedure.

The habit of the subject enthusiastically opening his nostrils with his finger and extracting dried mucus from the nasal passage is a pathological deviation. Such excessive enthusiasm indicates that the "poking maniac" has quite serious psychological problems, and often mental disorders. To designate a painful passion to pop in the nose, a special medical term has been introduced - rhinotillexomania.
The need to regularly insert your finger into the nasal passage is a habit that is not unique to young children. The need to pick your nose is a very common condition among adults. At the same time, not only ill-mannered and uneducated people suffer from rhinotillexomania, but also quite literate, erudite and accomplished individuals. Businessmen and politicians, doctors and teachers, oligarchs and aristocrats pick their noses.

Studies conducted by American scientists have shown a very informative picture: more than 90% of people from time to time feel the need to clear their nose with a finger. The survey showed that 25% of people indulge in this hobby daily. More than 2% of the interviewed persons devote at least two hours a day to this procedure. At the same time, some respondents eat the extracted product.
The habit of popping in the nose is a phenomenon from childhood. But when a person has matured, this manic addiction does not disappear, but, on the contrary, the manipulation is carried out more often and more energetically. And no adult can pinpoint exactly why his hand is reaching for his nose. Surveys have shown that this procedure brings considerable pleasure to many rhinotillexomaniacs. Why a person acquires an obsessive need to pick his nose will be discussed further.

What causes rhinotillexomania: the origin and purpose of the habit
The first acquaintance of a person with the study of his nostrils with a finger occurs in early childhood. At the same time, no one teaches the child how to perform such manipulation. On the contrary: caring parents both scold the baby for picking his nose with enthusiasm, and introduce him to the rules of good manners, handing colorful and bright handkerchiefs into his hands. However, in most cases, attempts at exhortation, persuasion and punishment do not have much effect. The baby continues to get rid of dried mucus with his fingers.
This phenomenon has a very logical explanation. The need to keep the nasal cavity clean and the desire to clean contaminated passages in a timely manner is a physiologically determined need necessary to ensure proper breathing and combat harmful microorganisms. Since our ancestors did not have improvised means for cleaning the nose, there were no preparations for washing the passages, they had to extract the dried contents with their own hands.

The memory of such a hygienic procedure is firmly imprinted at the gene level. In addition, nature made sure that this manipulation was necessarily carried out by man. To do this, the creator provided a reward in the form of enjoyment of picking your nose. The nose of a person, like any other living being, is a very sensitive thing. Irritation of a huge number of receptors located in this organ causes various sensations: both pleasant - in the case of picking, and painful - in case of tissue damage. That is, the procedure of peeling is a peculiar way of obtaining pleasure.
There is another hypothesis that confirms the "benefit" of energetic nose picking. According to some scientists, irritation of the nerve endings located in the human nose stimulates brain activity. That is why many people automatically put their finger to their nose when they think about a problem, make a choice in favor of one or another solution. That is, this procedure, from this point of view, is intended for better concentration of attention and strengthening of the functions of thinking.

The interviewed respondents admitted that very often they pick their nose, considering what purchases are better to make in the store. Other rhinotillexomania addicts have stated that they start performing nasal cleansing when they think about the economic and political situation in the state. Third persons perform such an exercise when they need to make a decision regarding their personal life.
Another alleged cause of rhinotillexomania is long-term nervous tension in a person. Many contemporaries are in a state of chronic stress, experiencing enormous physical and mental overload. This leads to the fact that the nervous system works at the limit of its capabilities. To prevent failure in the coordinated functioning of the body, a person needs proper rest and relaxation. Since the vast majority of ordinary people simply do not know how to relieve mental stress and eliminate muscle clamps, the psyche “throws” them a simple solution - to pick their nose. The validity of this hypothesis is confirmed by the statements of lovers of “nose-picking”, who report that after such an exercise they feel more calm and relaxed.

From another point of view, picking your nose is an indicator of a meaningless and aimless pastime. A person performs such a procedure when he is bored and has nothing to do with himself. Regular popping in the nasal passages may indicate that a person is tired of his gray and monotonous existence, but he does not see ways to change his reality. Nose picking indicates that a person does not have clear goals, and he does not understand what he wants to achieve in life. This is a sign that the subject is at a crossroads and does not know which way to move forward.
The habit of picking one's nose may indicate that a person longs for "purification of the soul." The tendency to pick is often observed in those people who feel guilty, realize that they were wrong. Since it takes courage to ask for forgiveness from an offended person, it is much easier to obtain “mercy” in another way. Nose picking is nothing more than a procedure to get rid of thoughts of one's own guilt.

The tendency to regularly pick your nose also indicates that a person is experiencing a clear attention deficit. Because of the unsatisfied need for love and respect, a person has a desire - in any way to attract the attention of others. Since the psyche of a mature person remembers well that the nose-picking procedure performed in childhood has always attracted the attention of parents, it forms such an irresistible need in an adult.
The habit of frequently picking one's nose can inform about the presence of a chronic pathological condition in the subject - attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Such a person is impulsive, she is not able to control her behavior and carry out actions that meet existing requirements. Patients with this disorder are careless, inattentive, careless and frivolous people. They do not realize that their actions and actions can have negative, harmful and life-threatening consequences,

The need to pick your nose may indicate a serious illness - Smith-Magenis syndrome. Smith-Magenis syndrome is a severe genetic disorder caused by a defect in the 17th chromosome. The syndrome is fixed in early childhood. Children suffering from this disorder are distinguished by stereotypical behavior. They tend to put everything in their mouths, including their own hands. They tend to grind their teeth. They often rock their torso continuously. They aimlessly twirl and twist objects. Sick children are characterized by frequent outbursts of anger. They are characterized by impulsiveness, distractibility, disobedience, aggression.

How to get rid of the habit of picking your nose: eliminate addiction
Despite the fact that many patients with rhinotillexomania understand the futility and unattractiveness of their bad habit, getting rid of their nose-picking style is quite difficult. The thing is that any habit is fixed at a subconscious level, and it is quite difficult to consciously manage the processes stored in this layer of the psyche. However, if a person is determined to overcome his disgusting need and is ready to work on himself regularly and for a long time, then it is possible to overcome rhinotillexomania.
The first step towards breaking the addiction is to determine exactly what causes the need to pick one's nose. To do this, we carefully study our inner world. We honestly admit to ourselves what we lack in life: the attention of others, love, recognition, respect. We try to understand what causes our mental stress. We confess, because of what events we are tormented by remorse. Determine what we would like to change in our lives. We need to find out what causes us anxiety or other negative experiences. Determine under what circumstances our fingers are drawn to the nose.

The second step on the path to liberation from rhinotillexomania is the transformation of the negative factors of our thinking into neutral or positive moments. On this path, we have two options. The first is to avoid or completely exclude phenomena that irritate us from our being. For example, we may change jobs if our nervous tension is caused by an unhealthy atmosphere in the work team. The second way is to change your attitude towards the factors that interfere with a happy life. For example, if we are tormented by guilt because we inadvertently offended a friend, we can sincerely apologize to her and mutually develop a program to improve relations. It should be remembered that in our life almost all the circumstances that we perceive as negative factors can be neutralized or completely eliminated.
To get rid of the need to pick our nose, we must fill our lives with bright colors. We must schedule our day so that we do not have time for boredom and blues. Our hands must be constantly engaged in some creative work. We can do beadwork or knitting. We can draw friendly caricatures or try to capture the beauties of nature on canvas. We can learn the art of makeup or become a nail designer. We are able to invent culinary masterpieces: something to clean, chop, sculpt, crumble. Representatives of the stronger sex can also find something to their liking. Designing models of aircraft and ships, carving wood, making icons and backgammon are quite worthy occupations.

Another condition for getting rid of the habit of picking your nose is to make it a habit to regularly rinse and clean your nose. Today, pharmacies offer various solutions of purified sea water, the use of which ensures the normal state of the mucous membrane of the nasal passages. These drugs help to thin the mucus and ensure its normal outflow from the nasal cavity. If we are annoyed by the endlessly running snot, scientifically called the muconasal secret, it is advisable to eliminate the cause of the abundantly secreted mucus. To eliminate a runny nose and nasal congestion, the doctor may prescribe decongestants - anticongestants. If our runny nose is a manifestation of an allergy, the doctor may advise nasal irrigation with antihistamines.
Another effective way to get rid of the habit of picking your nose is to wear gloves on your hands. We take it as a rule - in the cold season we always go outside, wearing mittens or gloves on our hands. In warm seasons, women can get nail extensions, the presence of which will simply make it uncomfortable to stick in the nose.

How to stop picking your nose? We do not forget to thank ourselves and reward ourselves for the courage shown and the work on ourselves to overcome the bad habit. Every time we have resisted the temptation to pick our nose, we should amuse ourselves and please ourselves with something. To do this, we are considering a reward system. For example, if during the day we were able to do without examining our nasal passages, then in the evening we have every right to enjoy watching a good movie for two hours, instead of the obligatory mopping provided. If we have refrained from doing picking for a week, then on Sunday we can arrange a festive dinner for ourselves with eating a delicious cake.

The main rule is to be persistent and patient. Don't expect a bad habit to be broken in one day. Remember that it takes at least three weeks to completely get rid of rhinotillexomania. We should not reproach ourselves and give up undertakings if we accidentally broke loose and picked our noses. We should forgive ourselves for the error and continue to move forward.

Health

Canadian researcher claims that picking your nose and consuming nasal mucus can be good for the immune system person.

Professor of Biochemistry Scott Napper(Scott Napper) of University of Saskatchewan In Canada, I decided to study how the habit of picking your nose affects health.

He stated that the microbes in the mucus to which we expose ourselves strengthen our immunity.

Children are usually scolded for their tendency to pick their nose, but the scientist claims that such a habit can serve as a kind of natural vaccination.

Napper even believes that the contents of our nose have a sweet taste, prompting us to "eat it."

“I have two beautiful daughters, and they spent a lot of time picking their noses with their fingers,” said Professor Napper. “And, of course, their fingers ended up in their mouths. Maybe they instinctively did what they needed to do?"

The study is still at an early stage, and the scientist plans to conduct an experiment by placing nasal mucus molecules into the nostrils of volunteers, who will then have to eat what was in their nose. Thus, he will be able to determine the reaction of the body to molecules and mucus.

However, finding volunteers for such a study is likely to be problematic.

The child picks his nose. What to do?

The habit of picking your nose in science is called rhinotillexomania. The person who does this is usually not in control of the habit, just like those who bite their nails or pull out their hair.

Nose picking is very common among children, but also occurs in 70 to 90 percent of adults. Main causes of nose picking are:

Itching and discomfort in the nose

Desire to attract the attention of parents

Provoking parents

How to wean from the habit of picking your nose?

Don't scold

Reprimanding and punishing nose picking will not help break the habit, as the person usually does not realize they are doing it.

Get something to do with your hands

If you notice that your child starts picking his nose at certain times, such as when watching TV, give him something to keep his hands busy, such as a small ball, soft toy, and other items.

Clear your nose

Cleanse your nose with a salt water solution every morning and evening, which helps get rid of the source of nose picking.

Contact a specialist

If your child frequently picks his nose until it bleeds, you may want to consult a pediatrician.