Have you ever created a health vision board or any type of vision board? Well, if you’ve never created one before, now’s the time to do it! Not only is it motivating, but it’s a fun activity too. Today we’ll be focusing on creating a health and wellness vision board that helps you set goals while keeping you accountable and on track. The best part of creating your own vision board? Beginning to see those visions become a reality in ways you never imagined. Believe me – I’ve had some crazy things happen to me based on what I put on my vision board – almost as if they had fallen right off my board and straight into my lap! Here are some of the basics you should know.
What a Vision Board Isn’t
A vision board is not a magical manifesting tool that will help you magically pull money and happiness out of your you-know-what. Though I definitely find value in the law of attraction, I tend to take a more practical scientific approach to life, which is why to me a vision board is more about setting aside time to clarify your goals and visually represent them. The visual part is what is so helpful for many of us. It makes the goal seem more reachable. When you can see it, and when you have pictures to help draw out positive emotions, it really makes the goal seem more reachable. A vision board also gives you something to focus on. And if you actually look at it every day, it can help you tune out things that aren’t part of your primary goals.
The Most Important Concept When Creating Your Health Vision Board
Your vision board is NOT all about diet and exercise. Remember this! In fact, diet and exercise are only small pieces of the puzzle. It’s all about the bigger picture here! Even though I am a dietitian and fitness enthusiast, when I work with clients or speak to them at my Nutrition Talks, I give advice on achieving greater health and wellness. I look far beyond diet and exercise. It’s all about practicing mindful eating and not letting diet or thoughts of food take over your life. You can learn more about mindful eating here. To stay motivated to reach your health goals or any goals for that matter, you need some essentials: fun and purpose in your life, a job that doesn’t drain you, relationships that nurture you, and a strong sense of self (this is super important). Focus on living your best, and good things will come. This is why I recommend creating a well-rounded vision board—so you can achieve your health and wellness goals without feeling like it’s zapping all your energy to achieve them.
How to Create a Vision Board
Step 1: Set the Mood
Create a relaxing atmosphere. Start in a clean, quiet, uncluttered room. Play an upbeat or inspiring playlist and bring in some aromatherapy with candles or an essential oil diffuser. Set aside an hour or more to complete your health vision board so that you don’t feel rushed. Some people also like to set the tone by meditating to clear their minds. If you’re interested in learning about the benefits of meditation, read this blog post.
Step 2: Get Inspired!
Spend some time getting clear on exactly what you want your ideal life to look like. Consider these questions:
- What do I want?
- What do I need?
- What do I want to accomplish?
- What do I value?
- How do I want to feel?
- What can I remove from my list of priorities?
If you have too much to focus on, you may feel overwhelmed. What you want is to be able to devote adequate attention to the things that are most important to you. For life balance, consider various areas of your life, such as family, work, health, personal growth, spirituality, etc. You can even try to journal out some of the answers if you find it helpful.
Step 3: Gather Images
Cut out images from magazines that represent the life you want to live. For example, if you want to start exercising, you might clip photos of yourself or others enjoying exercise.
If you want to find a great romantic partner or spruce up your existing relationship, you might snip pictures of happy couples smiling at each other or happy pics of you and your significant other.
If you want to start eating more healthy foods, add pictures of healthy meals or recipes. For some inspiration, you can start off with these healthy meals.
TIP: If magazines don’t get the job done, check out Google images and search for things you’d like to post on your board. You can even use pictures you already have of yourself.
Step 4: Create Messages
Use markers, paint, or your computer and printer to create personal mantras and/or favorite quotes that inspire you. You can also cut out words or phrases from magazines to paste on the board that reminds you of the life you want to live. TIP: Google inspirational or motivational quotes if you need a spark!
Step 5: Put it All Together
Paste or pin your images and quotes onto your board. You can lay out images and words in random places or section off parts of your board for different areas of your life, such as family, work, health, etc. Remember: there is no “right way” to arrange your board.
Step 6: Make Your Vision a Reality
Display your vision board somewhere you’ll see it every day. Make sure to reflect on your vision board and how your goals make you feel for at least five minutes every day. Follow your reflection time with making a list of things you can start doing in the next day, week, and month to get you in alignment with making your vision a reality.
The Wrap-Up
Creating a vision board is a fun, creative, and inspiring way to clarify your goals and stay focused on bringing them to life. Make sure to get clear on your goals before you get started. This is extremely important. When you’re done creating your health vision board, I’d love to see how it turns out! Post a picture of your vision board on Instagram with the hashtag #VidaVisionBoard and be sure to tag @DietitianDina! What are some things you will put on your health & wellness vision board? If you want to learn more about the services I have to offer, and how I help clients live their healthiest, happiest, and most energetic lives, contact me today or click here to learn more about how I can help. You can also join my free, private, Online Wellness Support Community Enjoyed this article? Here are a few more popular articles! 3 Simple Strategies to Crush Cravings Drink Green Tea for the Health of It, and How to Make it Taste Better not Bitter Are You Trapped In the Diet Cycle This article was originally published on February 13, 2019 and has been updated.
Dina has been featured on CBS Miami and in Bustle, Self, Women’s Health, Livestrong, Thrillest, Simple Most, Business News Daily, and more.
She completed her undergraduate degree in dietetics in 2005 at Ball State University, then her supervised practice in 2006 at California State University, Fresno.
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I love the idea of creating a vision board. I have made them before and they do help keep you in track. I have reached many of the goals (dreams) I’ve put on the vision board, mostly related to growing in my profession. I’m still waiting for that house in the keys though!
Great post and suggestions!