Could be Worse

Instructions for the leader

Activity: Absurd Escalation Dyad Form pairs or small groups of up to 4 participants. Pre-Activity Guidance: Frame the activity as a humorous exercise in cognitive reframing and comedic exaggeration. Structure & Rules: Minor Complaint: Person 1 starts by sharing a mild real-life complaint (e.g., "My coffee was lukewarm this morning"). Progressive Escalation: Person 2 responds with "It could be worse..." and invents a slightly worse, exaggerated scenario. Absurd Chain: Each subsequent participant adds a progressively more absurd and extreme disaster scenario, always starting with "It could be worse...". Timing: Run rapid escalation rounds for 3–5 minutes until the scenarios become completely ridiculous and dissolve in laughter.