There aren't any association between the pain and pleasure. Generally it doesn't hurt because it's just thin layers of new tissue. The times it does hurt, it's not intentional. I just get caught up in "fixing" the tongue until it got something that feels like a smooth surface. If one chuck disappears, I feel the need to trim away the rest as well.

Generally I find it easier to refrain from doing it when I'm in a positive/motivated state of mind. In periods of stress and uncertainty, the chewing intensifies. It generally happens when I am alone, or at least not interacting with anyone, so I can control it to some degree.

Yeah, I consciously chose the phrasing "let it sneak up" because I believe it's important to own your my own actions. Truth to be told, I don't really feel like I'm in the driver's seat on this one. I've tried not letting it, but it is as if I start to bagatellize and justify doing it sooner or later. The trigger here is what I've been trying to pinpoint, without any success other than being of the impression that it's linked to stress and motivation.

8/10 times I notice that I'm doing it. I will try this replacement action technique with praying for those dear to me. Cheers!

I will let you know how it all pans out. And if you've got any interventions in accordance to the answers I just presented, please do tell :-)