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Ready to hit refresh on your self-care routine and give it the glow-up it deserves?
Well, NOW is a great time for you to collect all those dreams that have been floating around in your mind and gather them into a personalised, Insta-worthy reminder of all your self-care goals, putting them front and centre in your life. It’s kind of like having a cheerleader (minus the pom-poms) motivating you 24/7!
In this world where we’re juggling a million tasks at once, it’s way too easy to forget the real MVP – YOU!
Enter: Your self-care vision board!
This isn’t just some random collage of cute quotes and aesthetic pics (though, that would look amazing). It’s a powerful tool for staying laser-focused on your health, happiness, and overall wellness.
So, if you’re ready to transform your self-care goals from “maybe someday” to “watch me now,” it’s time to unleash your inner artist!
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to create a vision board that not only looks amazing but actually helps you achieve your dreams.
First Things First, What Is A Self-Care Vision Board?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s break down what a vision board actually is:
- Definition: A vision board is a visual representation of your goals and dreams.
- Purpose: It helps you clarify, concentrate, and maintain focus on specific life goals.
- Types: Physical boards, digital vision boards, and even vision board apps.
It’s similar to a mood board but with a focus on all the areas of YOUR life that you want to upgrade so you can feel your absolute best!
A self-care vision board combines images, quotes, and affirmations that reflect your health and happiness goals.
RELATED: 75 Journal Prompts For Self-Care
What Makes A Vision Board So Powerful?
Okay, so you’re probably thinking, “Cool, but how is sticking some pics on a board going to change my life?” Turns out, vision boards aren’t just a cute craft project – they’ve got a legit science stamp of approval too!
According to neuroscientist Dr. Tara Swart, using a vision board taps into our brain’s superpower to visualise and crush our goals.
Here’s how:
- Value-tagging: Dr. Swart explains that our brains use this process to decide what’s important. Your vision board is basically telling your brain, “Hey, this stuff matters!”
- Picture Power: Your brain is totally obsessed with images. They light up your brain’s visual and emotional centres like a Christmas tree, way more than boring old words on a to-do list.
- Repetition is Key: The more you eyeball those vision board images, the more your brain is essentially being trained to be your personal assistant, always keeping your goals right at the top of your mind.
As Dr. Swart puts it: “The brain assigns a higher value to images than written words on a to-do list, and the more you look at those images, the more those images move up in importance.”
Creating your own self-care vision board might even feel like a mini therapy session too! It’s your chance to take a moment, reflect on what truly matters to you, and decide how you want to prioritise your well-being in a structured way.
Speaking of structure, want to check out our easy-peasy Saturday self-care routine for the ultimate weekend glow-up? Click here.
How To Create A Self-Care Vision Board
Step 1: Define Your Care Goals
Before you start slapping images and quotes onto your board, take a moment to reflect.
What does self-care actually mean to you?
Perhaps it means committing to a daily 30-minute meditation practice, walking 10k steps a day, practising gratitude or setting aside one hour each evening for a relaxing hobby like reading or journaling.
Or you might be thinking about planning your goals over a number of years:
- Short-term goals (1 year)
- Medium-term goals (5 years)
- Long-term goals (10 years and beyond)
Consider areas like career, relationships, health, personal growth, and finances. Remember, your vision board should reflect your personal definition of success.
Whatever they are, jot them down! This will guide you in selecting the right images and words to include on your board.
Step 2: Gather Your Vision Board Supplies
To create your perfect vision board, you’ll need:
- A sturdy board (cork or poster board would be great)
- Magazines or printed images
- Scissors
- Glue or tape
- Markers, stickers, and other decorative items
- Optional: vision board kit or vision board app
Pro tip: Check out vision board ideas on Pinterest or Instagram for inspiration before you start!
Step 3: Vision Board Ideas: Curating Images That Inspire
Time to find visuals that represent your goals:
- Use vision board apps for digital creation
- Cut out images from magazines
- Print photos from the internet
- Include personal photos
Aim for a mix of specific (e.g., a particular car model) and symbolic (e.g., an image representing freedom) visuals.
Step 4: Arranging Your Vision Board
Now, let’s get creative:
- Group similar themes together
- Create a focal point with your most important goal
- Use a vision board template if you’re stuck on layout ideas
Remember, there’s no one “right” way to arrange your board. Trust your instincts!
Step 5: Add Affirmations, Words and Decorations
Affirmations are like little pep talks that keep you motivated.
Add some positive words, inspirational quotes and affirmations to your board. These could be phrases like “I am worthy of rest” or “Every day is a fresh start.”
Need some inspo? Click here!
Place them strategically where you’ll see them often—like the centre of the board or near your most cherished images.
To make your vision board even more personal and inspiring, consider adding decorations like pressed flowers, stickers, or small mementoes that resonate with your self-care journey.
These elements can add texture and beauty, making your board not just a tool for motivation but also a fabulous work of art!
Step 6: Stick It Down, Put It Up and Keep It Fresh
It’s time to complete your masterpiece by securing everything in place!
Now, find a place to display your vision board where you’ll see it regularly. Spend a few minutes each day visualising your goals, and as time goes by, don’t be afraid to update it.
Your needs and dreams might change, and that’s perfectly okay!
Pro tip: Consider creating seasonal vision boards to stay focused throughout the year.
Extra Tips For Your Self-Care Vision Board Success
- Be Specific: The more specific your care goals, the better your vision board will work for you. Instead of just “health,” consider something like “drink 8 glasses of water a day” or “take a 30-minute walk.”
- Stay Positive: Focus on what you want to achieve rather than what you want to avoid. A positive mindset is key to manifesting your goals.
- Make It Fun: Creating your vision board should be an enjoyable process. Play your favourite tunes, get comfy, and let your creativity flow.
Save on Pinterest for later?
FAQs
What’s The Difference Between A Vision Board And A Mood Board?
Think of it like this: a vision board is your personal roadmap to achieving specific goals and dreams.
It’s all about visualising and manifesting what you want to happen in your life, like a visual to-do list for your aspirations.
On the flip side, a mood board is more about capturing a general vibe or aesthetic. It’s a collage of colours, textures, and styles that reflect a particular feeling or look you’re going for, but it’s not necessarily tied to specific goals.
So, while your vision board is about making things happen, your mood board is about capturing the essence of your style and mood.
Should Anyone See Your Self-Care Vision Boards?
Totally up to you! Your vision board is like a personal diary for your goals, so whether you want to keep it private or share it with others is entirely your call.
Some people love to show their boards to friends and family for a bit of accountability and support, while others prefer to keep it their own little secret.
The key is to make sure it’s something that truly resonates with you, regardless of who else sees it.
How Often Should I Update My Vision Board?
Life is always evolving, and so should your vision board!
It’s a good idea to update your board whenever you hit a milestone, achieve a goal, or if your priorities and dreams shift.
You might want to refresh it seasonally, annually, or whenever you feel a change coming on.
How Big Should My Vision Board Be?
Size really does matter, but it’s all about what works for you.
Your vision board can be as small as a postcard or as big as a wall—whatever fits your space and style.
The key is to make sure it’s big enough to hold all the elements that inspire you and small enough that you’ll actually hang it somewhere you see it often.
