Activity scheduling and behavioural activation are important techniques in helping clients to identify and modify activity/behavioural patterns that contribute to underlying problems, such as depressed mood. This activity template provides a straightforward format for recording activities and any additional psychologically important information (e.g., mood ratings).
CLINICAL EVIDENCE BASE
The effectiveness of activity scheduling is supported by multiple lines of evidence:
- Activity scheduling has a large effect versus control conditions in the treatment of depression (Cuijpers et al., 2007).
- Behavioural activation is an effective treatment for Generalised Anxiety Disorder (Berg et al., 2023).
- There is some evidence that behavioural activation can be effective for Posttraumatic Disorder symptoms (Etherton & Farley, 2022).
- Behavioural activation increases activation in people diagnosed with depression (Stein et al., 2020).
- Future studies are needed to bolster evidence in anxiety and other disorders, determine for whom it works best, and optimise the intervention (improving engagement and maintaining long-term benefits).
WORKSHEET USES
When to Use
- During initial assessment to identify problematic behaviour patterns, periods of inactivity, lack of activity variety, etc.
- To provide a baseline of current activity from which to set activity scheduling or behavioural activation goals.
- To facilitate experiential-based reflection on the relationship between activities and important aspects of psychological functioning (e.g., changes in mood and/or anxiety)
- To evaluate fluctuations on mood or other important psychological phenomena against activities.
- To record and track progress towards activity scheduling goals.
EMOTIPAL WORKSHEET STRUCTURE
Task - 8 columns
Mon
Tues
Wed
Thurs
Fri
Sat
Sun
07:00
Insert activity here
08:00
You can also add rating scales for important measures (e.g., mood)
09:00
….
….
TROUBLESHOOTING
Common Challenges and Solutions
Motivation difficulties
- Provide clear rationale/psychoeducation on the role of activity scheduling in addressing the presenting issue.
- Reinforce small successes.
- Provide support (e.g., cognitive restructuring) for hopelessness.
Inappropriate behavioural goals
- Keep goals modest and achievable, particularly in the early stages.
- Emphasise small steps and short intervals.
- Set activation goals relative to current activity levels
Lack of client investment or buy-in
- Elicit client activity preferences
- Ensure a variety of activities as per best practice guidelines (e.g., goal activities, pleasant events, social interaction)
- Clearly link activities to client goals (e.g., social activities with increasing number of friends).
Environmental and socioeconomic barriers
- Use creative adaptations to manage constraints (e.g., lack of transport, low income)
- Use small ‘in-routine’ activities that fit into client’s daily life (e.g., walk to a nearby supermarket instead of driving) for people with significant responsibilities (e.g., carers).
Inconsistent progress
- Normalise ‘problem flares’ and non-linear progression (e.g., a brief intensification of depressed mood).
- Encourage a present-moment focus (e.g., ‘What can I achieve in the remaining hours of the day’?).
- Identify and address problematic thinking patterns.
References
Note: While this guide references various studies, practitioners should verify current research as the field continues to evolve. The core principles remain well-established in the literature and clinical practice.
Cuijpers, P., van Straten, A., & Warmerdam, L. (2007). Behavioral activation treatments of depression: a meta-analysis. Clinical psychology review, 27(3), 318–326. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cpr.2006.11.001
Etherton, J. L., & Farley, R. (2022). Behavioral activation for PTSD: A meta-analysis. Psychological trauma : theory, research, practice and policy, 14(5), 894–901. https://doi.org/10.1037/tra0000566
Stein, A. T., Carl, E., Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., & Smits, J. A. J. (2021). Looking beyond depression: a meta-analysis of the effect of behavioral activation on depression, anxiety, and activation. Psychological medicine, 51(9), 1491–1504. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291720000239
The activity schedule helps you track your daily activities and their impact on your mood or anxiety levels. By recording what you do throughout each day of the week, you can identify patterns that may contribute to your psychological challenges. This tool supports you in gradually increasing meaningful activities, creating better balance between productive, pleasurable, and social engagements, and monitoring progress toward behavioral goals.
Even recording periods of rest or inactivity provides valuable information. Your practitioner will use this schedule to understand your current patterns and guide you in making small, sustainable changes that can significantly improve your wellbeing.