Mild Activating Stimuli for use in a DBR Session
Thanks to Samantha Clarke who prepared this list.

Non-relational Activating Stimuli

Visual

Lightning flashing unexpectedly.
An object moving unexpectedly.
A bird suddenly flying close by.
Your computer freezing unexpectedly.
Accidentally closing a document.
Losing internet during a meeting.
Your battery suddenly dying.
Seeing an unexpected error message.
Accidentally deleting something (before recovering it).

Auditory

A car horn unexpectedly honking nearby.
Someone knocking unexpectedly on the door.
A loud door slamming.
Something falling off a shelf.
A glass breaking in another room.
Your phone suddenly ringing loudly.
An unexpected alarm or timer sounding.
Someone calling your name unexpectedly.
A dog barking suddenly.
A balloon popping.
A sudden clap of thunder.
A gust of wind slamming a door.
Hearing sirens in the distance.
Construction noise beginning unexpectedly.

Somatosensory

Almost tripping on a curb.
Slipping slightly without falling.
Catching yourself after missing a step.
Walking into a spider web.
Feeling your chair tip unexpectedly.
Having cold water splash on you unexpectedly.
Touching something unexpectedly hot (without injury).
Feeling your phone vibrate when you weren't expecting it.

Everyday Cognitive "Oops" Moments

Realizing you've forgotten something important.
Realizing you left something at home after you've already left.
Wondering whether you locked the door.
Thinking you forgot to turn off the stove or coffee maker.
Discovering you've misplaced your keys, wallet, or phone.
Realizing you sent a message with a typo.
Looking for something that should be where you left it and not finding it.

“Mild” Relational Activating Stimuli

Social Uncertainty

Wondering if you said something incorrectly during a conversation.
Suddenly remembering you forgot to reply to an email or text.
Thinking you may have missed an appointment.
Seeing someone you know and not being sure whether they saw you.
Thinking someone looked upset after you spoke.
Receiving a brief text message that seems difficult to interpret.
Waiting for someone to respond to an important message.
Feeling like you interrupted someone.
Walking into a room and feeling like everyone noticed you.
Realizing you forgot someone's name.
Worrying you may have offended someone unintentionally.
Having someone respond more briefly than expected.
Being unsure whether someone is upset with you.

Everyday Performance Moments

Making a small mistake while speaking.
Losing your train of thought while talking.
Being asked an unexpected question.
Forgetting what you were about to say.
Pressing the wrong button during a presentation.
Spilling a drink in public.
Dropping something while others are watching.
Taking a wrong turn while driving.
Arriving slightly late.
Missing a familiar exit.

Unexpected Changes

Someone changing plans at the last minute.
Finding out a meeting starts earlier than expected.
Walking to a store and finding it unexpectedly closed.
Learning something you expected has been canceled.
Getting stuck in unexpected traffic.
Having your internet suddenly disconnect.
Discovering something isn't where it normally is.
Receiving an unexpected request.

Everyday Responsibility Moments

Seeing a missed call from an important person.
Opening an email with an unfamiliar subject line.
Realizing a bill is due today.
Seeing a calendar reminder for something you forgot.
Wondering whether you completed a task correctly.
Finding a package you forgot you ordered.
Seeing an unexpected notification from work.

Minor Attachment-Related Moments

Someone you expected to greet you walks by without noticing.
Waiting a little longer than expected for someone to arrive.
Having someone cancel plans.
Feeling briefly left out of a conversation.
Not receiving a response as quickly as anticipated.
Watching others begin talking while you're not included.