Are Vision Boards Good for Mental Health?
Do you feel like you’re stuck in a rut, knowing that something has to change or you’ll break? You’re not alone. We live in an age of people looking for answers — and a better life. We also live in a globally-connected world where talking about mental health is less taboo than ever before. There’s no shortage of people offering you ways to achieve your dreams and be happy. Vision boards are among the many mental health tools that have recently spiked in popularity. What are they, and can vision boards help you achieve clarity and improved mental health?
Are Vision Boards Good for Mental Health?
What Is a Vision Board?
A vision board is a collection of images and words that illustrate your hopes and dreams. Its purpose? To serve as a constant reminder of the life you want to live, and the achievements you are determined to attain — so you never get demotivated.
Many people who swear by the power of vision boards also believe in the law of attraction. This concept holds that you can attract the things you dream of by visualizing them and surrounding yourself with them. The goal, in that case, is to manifest your dreams and accomplish your goals.
It’s not necessary to believe that looking at images and phrases that embody your ideal life will make it happen, though. Vision boards can also serve a much more practical purpose. Say you dream of getting out of debt or having a perfect wedding. Looking at your personal vision board can simply remind you why you shouldn’t grumble about working overtime or studying hard for that next exam.
How Do You Make a Vision Board?
To make a vision board, start by deciding whether you’d like a virtual vision board or a physical vision board. Feel free to hang a physical vision board in your living room or dorm room, and set your virtual vision board as your desktop background.
What goes on a vision board?
Collect images that inspire you, make you feel happy, or remind you what you’re working toward. Your vision board can include a picture of your dream house, your partner or children, the successful business you’re hoping to run, the perfect summer vacation you know you’ll enjoy one day, or and anything else that motivates you.
Words and phrases can play an important role, too. Include your favorite quotes. Include words that embody your perfect life, such as “peace” or “success.” Include affirmations on your vision board if you like.
Once you have all the ingredients, start arranging them in a way that truly inspires you. The goal? To feel motivated to keep going every time you glance at the board, so you can achieve your vision. If aesthetics are important to you, try to ensure your vision board has a color scheme that gives you a little mood lift every time you look at it.
Are Vision Boards Good for Mental Health?
If you’re asking whether solid research has shown that creating a vision board makes you happier, less stressed, and healthier, the answer is no. Nobody has conducted that kind of research to date. Remember that humans are highly-visual creatures, though. Sometimes, you have to see it to believe it.
You’ll reach your goals, whatever they may be, in a number of ways. They’ll inevitably include hard work, healthy and loving relationships, introspection, and belief in yourself. You can do it!
Let’s put it this way — a vision board won’t harm your mental health, and there’s no reason not to try it out if there is a chance that creating one can help you push through. Making a vision board is, if nothing else, a creative experience, and creative experiences can inspire many more!
Blue Sky Counseling Omaha – Mental Health Counseling
I, Carly Spring, M.S., LIMHP, LADC, CPC, offer my specialized expertise to assist in the healing process to anyone who may be experiencing and suffering from a vast spectrum of mental health issues. Such mental health issues include behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, grief, loss, trauma, addiction issues, and life transitions. I believe strongly in applying a holistic perspective addressing your whole person not just the bits and pieces of you. Contact us with any questions or to discuss substance abuse/addiction services in Omaha today.
