I can’t stop checking. Someone help me break the cycle, what do I do?

Thank you for this

I’ve dealt with the same frustrating issue and how I try to break the cycle is repeating this mantra to myself about whatever I keep checking, for example if I’m repeatedly checking to make sure the door is locked I’ll say if I didn’t lock the door and someone breaks in, I’ll just have to deal with the consequences but right now I have to accept the uncertainty on if it’s locked. It’s really hard to do but by accepting uncertainty, you are taking the power away from the OCD and using it for yourself

Of course, always

I’ve been able to slowly change my habits of constantly checking locks, stove knobs and double checking light switches by stopping right in my tracks when I’m doing it. I’ll stop and grab a hold of the light switch and flip it up/down “one time” and say to myself “on/off” or for locks I’ll glance at the direction of the deadbolt lock and see which direction it’s pointing ie. if it’s horizontal it’s in a locked position no need to touch/check it. It takes a little practice but works.