How to Make a Vision Board for Eating Disorder Recovery
A vision board is a powerful tool in eating disorder recovery. It serves as a visual reminder of your recovery goals, values, and motivations. Seeing positive images and affirmations daily can reinforce your commitment to healing and keep you focused on progress.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making your own recovery vision board.
Define Your Vision for Recovery
· Ask Yourself:
o What does freedom from my eating disorder look like?
o How do I want to feel about my body, food, and myself?
o What goals am I working toward in recovery?
o What are the values I want to embrace (joy, peace, balance, confidence)?
o What words, phrases, or images inspire me to keep going?
o Reflection Prompt: What three words best describe the life I want in recovery?
o Your vision board should reflect the future YOU—one that is healing, growing, and free
Gather Supplies for Your Vision Board
· Physical vision board supplies:
o Poster board, corkboard, or notebook
o Magazines, printed pictures, or old photos
o Glue, tape, scissors
o Stickers, markers, decorative elements
· Digital vision board (alternative option):
o Use Canva, Pinterest, or a collage app to create a digital board
o Save it as your phone wallpaper or print it out for daily inspiration
o Choose whichever format works best for you—physical or digital. Both are effective!
Choose Meaningful Images & Words
What to include on your vision board:
· Positive affirmations
o "I am worthy beyond my body."
o "Food is fuel, not the enemy."
o "Recovery is freedom."
o "I choose nourishment over restriction."
· Inspirational quotes
o "Healing is not linear, but every step counts."
o "My body deserves kindness."
· Images that represent recovery goals
o Smiling, happy people (self-love & joy)
o Balanced meals (healthy relationship with food)
o Nature, books, hobbies (self-care & growth)
o Strength & movement (healing without obsession)
· Words of Encouragement
o Strength
o Freedom
o Balance
o Joy
o Self-love
· Reflection prompt: What images, quotes, or words remind me WHY I’m choosing recovery?
· Your board should inspire and uplift you, not trigger negative thoughts.
Arrange & Create Your Vision Board
Steps to Assemble It:
· Start with a blank board—place the most meaningful images and words in the center
· Surround them with supporting visuals—quotes, affirmations, and photos
· Make it colorful and creative—use stickers, drawings, or anything that sparks joy
· Keep it authentic—this is YOUR vision, not someone else’s
· There’s no right or wrong way to create a vision board—make it personal and inspiring
Display & Use It as a Daily Reminder
· Where to put your vision board:
o In your bedroom or near your mirror
o Inside a journal for private reflection
o As your phone or computer wallpaper
o Anywhere you’ll see it daily for motivation
· How to use it for recovery motivation:
o Look at it every morning as a reminder of why you’re healing
o Reflect on your progress—what has changed since you started?
o Update it over time as your goals and mindset evolve
· Reflection prompt: What is one thing on my vision board that gives me hope today?
· Your vision board is a living reminder of your strength and progress—use it to stay inspired!
Final Thoughts: Your Vision Board is a Tool for Healing
· Recovery is a journey—visualizing your progress helps keep you on track
· Your board should reflect your dreams, goals, and the life you deserve
· You are more than your eating disorder—this vision board is proof
Final Thought: Your future is full of possibilities. Keep going—your vision of freedom is within reach.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate help, please contact a healthcare professional or crisis intervention service immediately.
