Big Apathy Energy
What’s one thing that feels like “ugh, why bother” lately?
That’s apathy. Your brain’s “meh filter.” ACT therapy says you don’t have to wait to feel motivated. Doing small actions first can wake motivation up.
Your brain says: “Everyone here is cringe.” Is that a fact or a thought?
A thought. Judging others can be your brain’s way of protecting you from risk. In ACT, we practice noticing it without buying into it.
What’s one body clue that your “rage meter” is filling up?
Tight muscles, hot face, clenched fists = anger cues. Noticing them early gives choice.
What does the “A” in ACT stand for?
Acceptance: letting feelings exist instead of fighting them.
What’s one thing you actually care about more than being comfy?
That’s a value. Values give direction even when feelings suck.
This snack food mascot has a monocle, a mustache, and no actual mouth.
Who is Mr. Pringle?
True or False: You need motivation before you can do anything.
False. Feelings don’t have to come first, actions can create motivation.
Why might judging people first feel safer than trying to connect?
If you decide they’re dumb, you avoid rejection. But you also miss out on connection. Avoidance = comfort now, lonely later.
Why does yelling feel good in the moment but bad after?
It vents tension but damages relationships. ACT says you can accept anger without letting it run the show.
What does “defusion” mean?
Creating distance from thoughts so they’re just words, not commands.
Why is living by values different from chasing vibes?
Vibes = short-term feels. Values = long-term meaning.
This movie monster is just a giant lizard who really hates Tokyo’s buildings.
What is Godzilla?
Why does scrolling TikTok feel easier than starting homework?
Avoidance feels good short-term, but keeps you stuck long-term. ACT teaches tiny values-based steps to break the cycle.
How could you use defusion on the thought “These kids are boring”?
Add “I’m having the thought that…” in front of it. It turns it from a “fact” into just words your brain made up.
If your brain says “SMASH!” what’s one better way to release energy?
Exercise, grounding, breathing. Safe outlets that don’t harm values.
Why does focusing on the present help with anxiety or anger?
It shrinks past/future worries and calms impulses.
How could choosing kindness during anger make you feel proud later?
Values-based actions = “main character energy.”
These go missing in the laundry, never to return.
What are socks?
What happens if you wait for ✨inspiration✨ before doing things?
You stay stuck. Waiting = “meh mode.” Small actions beat waiting every time.
Imagine you meet someone new. Instead of judging, what’s one curious question you could ask them?
Curiosity weakens judgment. ACT says focusing on values like connection can guide you toward openness instead of shutdown.
True or False: Anger is always bad.
False. Anger is a normal signal, but it’s your actions that decide outcomes.
What does “committed action” mean?
Doing what matters to you, even when it’s hard.
When apathy says “meh,” how can values help?
Values give you a reason to act, even when you don’t feel like it.
A group of flamingos is called this fabulous name.
What is a flamboyance?
What’s one tiny step (like 1% effort) you could do, even if you don’t feel like it?
Even micro-actions break apathy’s grip. ACT calls this committed action.
What value might give you a reason to try talking to someone, even if your brain says “nah”?
Friendship, belonging, growth. Values give a bigger “why” than fear or judgment.
Imagine your anger is a storm. What’s one way to “ride it out” without wrecking everything?
Pause → breathe → notice urge → choose a values-based action instead.
Meme check: “Me: I don’t feel like it. Also me: I do it anyway.” What ACT skill is that?
Defusion + values-based action = not letting feelings boss you.
Imagine your “main character moment.” What choice would future-you be proud of?
Values = storyline decisions that build the life you want.
Ketchup was once sold as this type of medicine.
What is a cure for indigestion?