The Escalation Scale

A 1–10 Self-Regulation Gauge

Before acting, locate yourself.

Level 1–2: Baseline

Calm.
Regulated.
Clear thinking intact.

Safe for decisions.

Level 3–4: Mild Activation

Irritated.
Distracted.
Energy elevated.

Proceed cautiously.

Level 5–6: Escalating

Defensive.
Reactive thoughts.
Narrowing perception.

Delay non-essential decisions.

Level 7–8: High Activation

Urgency feels absolute.
Emotions driving narrative.
Impulses increasing.

Pause. Do not commit.

Level 9–10: Acute Escalation

Fight / flight dominant.
Binary thinking.
Identity threat perceived.

Stabilize only.
No decisions.

Bottom Anchor:

If above 6 — stabilize first.

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Life.Understood.
Gerald Alba Daquila
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