Self-care is the deliberate practice of activities that ‘take care’ of mental, emotional, and physical health. The ability to attend to and meet personal needs through self-care has been found to increase empathy, immunologic functioning, and has been associated with lower levels of anxiety and depression (Schure, Christopher, & Christopher, 2008). According to Baker (2003), self-care activities also have the potential to improve self-awareness, self-regulation, coping, and balancing of self and others.

A Vision Board is a self care tool used to create a visual representation of your personal goals. Goals can include things like experiences, possessions and feelings that you would like to have. (ie: vacation, new laptop, health goals, motivational statements, etc.)

Instructions
Make a list of potential self-care items or activities as possible. For each activity listed, find inspiring and positive images and brainstorm words and phrases that correspond with the chosen self-care items.

Print your images and words, cut them out and assemble your vision board like a scrapbook. After printing the images and words, mount them to a substrate. Place your vision board in a prominent, visible location to act as a visual representation and motivator to improve and implement your goals and personal vision.

Repeat this activity periodically to refresh your vision board with new goals and self care activities.