Behavioral activation
Behavioral activation is a method of improving mood by planning and implementing valuable activities despite a lack of motivation.
Definition
Behavioral activation is an approach used especially in working with low mood and depression. It is based on the assumption that avoidance and withdrawal limit contact with positive reinforcement, and this may maintain the decline in mood. The method involves monitoring activity and mood, planning small actions consistent with values and gradually rebuilding contact with what is important and strengthening.
Key ideas
- Action before motivation
- Stopping avoidance
- Building positive reinforcement
Practice and life
Set up a weekly plan with three categories: duty, pleasure and contact with people. Each day, plan one very small activity from at least one category and note your mood before and after the activity.
Common misconceptions
It is a mistake to create too ambitious plans and evaluate the method after a few days. A common mistake is to skip monitoring your mood and assume that you need strong motivation first.
> Action can be the beginning of motivation, not its reward.
> — Guru Element
Questions for self-reflection
- What is the smallest activity I can do today in 5 minutes?
- Which avoidance worsens my mood the most?
- How does my well-being change after a specific action?