3. What would you tell a friend?

If you are stuck in a rumination loop, consider how you would advise a friend who was in the same predicament. Research shows that this technique of “de-centering”—shifting the focus away from yourself and towards someone else—promotes clearer thinking about one’s own issues. De-centering is also linked with cultivating greater humility and an awareness of one’s own shortcomings, and with feeling greater appreciation for another person’s point of view.