BA7: Opposite Action Day
Virtual Coach
Work step-by-step through the Behavioral Activation & Exposure exercise with the virtual coach.
Introduction
Every emotion carries an action urge:
- Anxiety → avoid,
- Sadness → isolate,
- Anger → attack.
Those urges keep the emotion cycling when you act on them. Opposite Action Day borrows the classic DBT skill and blends it with Behavioral Activation: for one full day (or half-day block), you deliberately choose behaviors opposite to your strongest unhelpful urges. Research on behavioral contrast shows that even brief, contrarian moves can unlock energy, shrink rumination, and create rapid mood lift.
Instructions
Goal: Run one Opposite Action block (4–8 hours) once a week for the next month.
Prep time: 10 minutes the night before.
Step 1: Spot the Dominant Emotion
Rate morning mood (0–10) and name the top feeling.
Example: Sad 6/10, urge = stay in bed.
Tip: Use your Mastery–Pleasure log to identify mood trends.
Step 2: Identify the Urge
Ask: “If I obeyed the feeling, what would I do?” Write verb phrases.
Example: Skip plans, scroll phone.
Step 3: Define the Opposite
Flip the urge 180°, choosing safe and value-aligned behaviors.
Example: Get up, meet friend, walk outside.
Step 4: Schedule a Block
Reserve a 4–8 hour block in your calendar labeled “OA.”
Example: Saturday 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Tip: Shorter blocks reduce resistance.
Step 5: List 3–5 OA Behaviors
Choose a mix of Mastery and Pleasure tasks that contradict the original urge.
Example: Shower & dress, café meet-up, 20-min walk, start laundry.
Tip: Keep first item under 10 minutes to spark momentum.
Step 6: Run the Block
Start your first task on time—no internal debate.
Example: Up at 10:00, shower done by 10:08.
Tip: Use phone reminders if needed.
Step 7: Log Mood Shifts
Rate dominant emotion (0–10) before, midway, and after the OA block.
Example: 6 → 4 → 3.
Tip: ≥ 2-point drop = effective session.
Step 8: Reflect & Tweak
Note which tasks created the biggest mood lift, and plan the next block accordingly.
Example: Walk + friend chat gave the biggest lift—repeat next week.
FAQs
Do I have to flip every urge all day?
Start with a 4-hour block. When confidence rises, extend to a full day or tackle multiple emotions.
What if the opposite action feels fake or forced?
That’s expected. The goal is behavioural proof that feelings aren’t dictators; genuine mood shifts usually follow within 20–30 minutes of action.
Is this unsafe for anger (e.g., urge to attack → be nice)?
Opposite action for anger targets justified vs. unjustified anger. If anger is justified and intensity fits, use problem-solving; if unjustified or high, practice calm & empathy.
Does it work for anxiety panic triggers?
Yes—pair OA with your Exposure Hierarchy; doing the feared behaviour is literally the opposite of avoidance.
Disclaimer
If you have any behavioral health questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare or mental health care provider. This article is supported by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from behavioral health societies and governmental agencies. However, it is not a substitute for professional behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
