
07/24/2025
Behavioral Activation (BA) is a strategy used to help improve mood by changing behavior—especially helpful for those experiencing depression, anxiety, or low motivation.
When you're struggling emotionally, it's common to stop doing the things you used to enjoy or find meaningful. This can lead to a cycle: the more you withdraw or avoid, the worse you feel. Behavioral activation breaks that cycle by encouraging you to do before you feel like it—to take small, intentional actions that align with your values and bring a sense of accomplishment, pleasure, or connection.
Here’s how it works:
Identify what matters to you – your values, interests, and meaningful roles (like being a good friend, parent, or artist).
Schedule small, manageable activities – especially ones you’ve stopped doing, like going for a walk, calling a friend, or completing a task.
Track your mood and energy – notice how your feelings change before and after these activities.
Stick with it, even if it’s hard – motivation often follows action, not the other way around.
The goal isn’t to fake being happy—it’s to gently reintroduce life-giving habits that reconnect you with purpose and joy. Over time, these positive experiences can help lift mood, build confidence, and restore a sense of control.