Stop it

One of the techniques used in Cognitive behavior therapy is called “Thought stopping” or “Thought stoppage”.

The problem thought being addressed could be a worry, an obsession, an urge, an unwanted habit, etc. The technique’s objective is to suppress or eliminate the negative thought by replacing it with positive or adaptive thinking. One approach is to command, yell, or mind scream “Stop!” whenever the unwanted thought recurs, and then think of a more positive or productive thought to replace it with.

Another technique is to wear a rubber band on the wrist which the patient snaps to punish himself whenever the unwanted thought surfaces. Dismissing the thought at will as soon as it is noticed is another method.

You may find it very simple or even funny, but it works. Not like in Monthy Pitons sketch (see below), but on a more profound level