CNN Life But Better mindfulness shows how our bad thoughts can back down in the face of simple questions. The Socratic method can improve your life.
Kristen Rogers notes these (and many more) tips and questions (excerpt):
[S]start by writing the thought down.
[A]sk yourself what’s so upsetting . . . .
Then consider the first question: What’s the evidence for or against this thought?
Secondly, ask yourself whether there is an alternative way to view the situation.
Additionally, what would you tell a loved one who came to you with the same thought?