What exactly is a self-care vision board? Of course we’ve all heard of vision-boards. They help us hone in on our dreams, ambitions and desires. It is said if we lay these things out visually for ourselves and look at them everyday they begin to embed themselves inside of our subconscious. We then start drawing these things towards us with small actions that align with those hopes and aspirations. The vision board essential brings those things to life.

However the one thing in our lives that is overlooked time and time again is not goals, and planners and motivational quotes, but this idea of nurturing our emotional and mental well being. We can add physical to this as well. So essentially a self-care vision board is based on the ideals that help us and heal us internally rather than a vision board that motivates us and guides us towards outward goals and motivations.

A self-care vision board offers you support and emotional regulation by tuning into the inner parts of ourselves. It gives us intention to focus more on what’s inside rather than productivity, or fixing or manifesting.

We can call it more a more heart-centered approach for wellness versus just a vision board. It’s a good idea to be grounded with your self-care vision board and not extreme.

1. Feelings to Center Your Self-Care Vision Board Around

When creating your self-care vision board you want to start with your feelings. Lean into what makes you feel good, supported and safe. Don’t focus on your goals or productivity. That’s the other board. Consider things like your emotional state and what grounds you. Be intentional with what makes you feel good versus what ultimate goal or outcome you are out to achieve.

PROMPTS TO CONSIDER WEHN SETTING UP YOUR BOARD

• What do I want to feel more of in my daily life?
• Which emotional states help me feel steady and supported?
• Words to consider: calm, safe, clear, grounded, rested

2. Emotional Self-Care Vision Board Ideas

For an emotional self-care vision board here are some things you might want to focus on. For emotional self-care describe in detail what offers you emotional safety. Where in your life do you find compassion for yourself and others and from others to yourself? What do you hold to and count on for emotional steadiness? Is it a person? A confidant, a therapist, a place perhaps in nature or a little spiritual safe space or nook in your home that allows you to huddle into safety? What gives you rest, quiet and room for reflection? Are they objects, ideologies, or loved ones? Maybe a favorite therapy journal or reflection guide?

The Following Questions May Help You Process Invoke Thoughts Of Emotional Safety

• What helps me feel emotionally regulated?
• Where do I need more gentleness or understanding?
• What emotional support do I want to normalize?

3. Physical Self-Care Vision Board Ideas

Things to consider when putting together a physical self-care vision board could be anything that offers relaxation. You can focus on rest, nourishment, getting into nature, a slow meditative walk, or morning tea time, a long warm bath, a morning mindfulness practice or any other routine that nourishes you.

Don’t include hitting the gym, your physical fitness goals, eating less carbs cause those are more vision board ideas. Getting in tip top shape and dropping 20 pounds is more of an aesthetic outwardly based goal versus a self-care goal.

Only include things that make you feel good on the inside and are not hard-core goals.

Consider the following for more guidance on physical self-care idea for your board

• What does my body need more of right now?
• Which physical habits help me feel stable and cared for?
• What routines help me feel restored rather than depleted?

4. Mental & Nervous System Self-Care Vision Board Ideas

Your mental well being and nervous system need to be honored and considered as well for any sort of self-care vision board ideas. How you’d do that is bey explaining nervous system care which could entail anything you do to reduce stress, feelings of overwhelm or any kind of over stimulation that leaves you feeling anxious.

Boundaries and learning how to better set them and what that might look like for you if you’re a yes woman or man or a people pleasers. Think about how you safeguard personal space. Another one to keep in mind when it comes to mental wellness is slowing the pace of it all so you can be more measured.

The Following Reflections Are Helpful When Laying This Out

• What currently overwhelms me that doesn’t need to?
• What would create more mental ease in my life?
• What kinds of boundaries would support my peace?

5. Inner or Spiritual Self-Care Vision Board Ideas (Grounded)

Spirituality and presence you hold for your own peace or others is essential for self-care and any larger vision you have for creating safety around that. Inner connection with a higher power or source that offers you peace of mind should be something that goes hand in hand with your vision of self-care. How do you find inner calm and how do you evoke a greater sense of tranquility within. Is there something in particular you do that grounds you?

These Prompts Below Give You Guidance For Contemplation

• What helps me reconnect with myself?
• What practices bring me back to center?
• What symbols feel calming or meaningful to me?

How to Use a Self-Care Vision Board

Now how exactly do you go about using a self-care vision board. Of course the obvious first step is to have it visible and practical. You don’t need anything extreme or over the top. It can be a small 9 X 16 Cardboard cutout with images that align with all things self-care and self-love. It doesn’t not need to be ginormous and front and center at all times. Place it in a corner or somewhere that aligns with your own space. Even on a dresser so you see it first thing when you wake up and the last thing when you go to bed. It doesn’t need to be in your face all the time. Just there and visual.

And of course update as your needs and self-care vision change.

Powerful Prompt To Reflect On Daily Or On A Regular Basis

• If I listened to this vision board today, what small choice would I make differently?

Closing

Self-care is responsive. It’s about stepping up for yourself that don’t feel heavy or forced. It’s not rigid. It’s fluid and should allow you to go with what comes up for you naturally. It makes room for safety and love. It’s about nurturing yourself towards wholeness and wellness. It’s not a cut and dry prescription, but a gentle invitation to treat yourself with greater care and generosity.