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Emotion Regulation

Opposite Action Log

The Opposite Action Log is a worksheet for identifying an emotion, planning and rehearsing an opposite behavior, and recording what happened.

What this worksheet is for

The Opposite Action Log is a worksheet for identifying an emotion, planning and rehearsing an opposite behavior, and recording what happened.

How to use it

  1. Read the full skill once before writing.
  2. Use the examples below to spot where it fits real life.
  3. Complete the reflection page using the answers you already typed or by writing directly on the PDF.

At a glance

Primary topic: opposite action log worksheet

Worksheet type: Support worksheet

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Worksheet overview

How to practice it

1

Emotion & Urge

Note the date, emotion, intensity, and the urge you felt.

2

Opposite Action Plan

Write the opposite behavior, body posture, tone, and supportive thoughts you will use.

3

Rehearsal

Visualize or role-play before the situation. Record how confident you feel (0–10).

4

Execution & Rating

After the moment, rate how fully you acted opposite (0–10) and note obstacles or helpers.

5

Outcome & Learning

Capture changes in emotion/urge and what you’ll tweak next time.

Real-world examples

Example Entry

Emotion: anxiety 8, urge: avoid networking event. Plan: arrive early, introduce self to 3 people, open posture. Rehearsal confidence: 5. Execution: 7 (spoke to 2). Outcome: anxiety dropped to 4; next time prepare conversation starters.

Before you write

Pick one situation you are actually likely to face this week. The activity page works best when you complete it for a real moment instead of a hypothetical one.

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Practice guide

Worksheet activity

Practice Activity

Log at least three opposite action reps this week. Review your scores to see growth.

Reflect and write

What helped you commit to the opposite behavior?

Where did you hesitate or half-do it?

How did emotions shift afterward?

What will you adjust for the next attempt?

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Reflection page

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