Another way to increase L-tryptophan is by exercising.

• Exercise also increases your energy levels, reduces your worries, and can distract you from the repetitive thinking patterns that get stuck in your head.

An important part of gaining control over your repetitive thoughts is to become mindful of them when they occur—and then practice the simple technique of thought stopping.

• Try envisioning a red stop sign, and saying to yourself: STOP! The more you practice this, the more you may feel control over your thoughts.

You can also use a rubber band on your wrist and snap it when you catch yourself in a loop of negative thinking.

Writing down your thoughts helps to “get them out of your head” and allows you to view them more rationally.

Try writing down:

1. The thought that is stuck in your head
2. What you can do to help offset the thought
3. Things you have no control over with regard to the thought

Some people have the tendency to say "no" automatically even before thinking about what was asked of them.

• This can be especially problematic in relationships.
• It is limiting and unnecessary to always dismiss ideas or deny your partner his or her requests.

To help with this, before responding, take a deep breath, hold it for three seconds, and then take five seconds to exhale, while actually considering what the best way to respond would be.