How Recognition and Support Can Boost Your Physical Activity Journey
Peer reviewed by Dr. Peter Rawlek, MD & Scott Rollo, PhD
Hey there! Whether you're into sports, dance, running, or just enjoy staying active, you've probably noticed that having people cheer you on or lend a hand can make a huge difference. But have you ever stopped to think about why that is? Let’s dive into why recognition and support are so important for keeping you motivated and how they can help you enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle.
What Is Recognition and Support in Physical Activity?
Recognition is when people notice and appreciate your efforts or achievements. It could be your coach saying, "Great hustle out there today!" or a friend saying, "You're really improving at soccer!"
Support, on the other hand, is about getting help and encouragement from others. It could be as simple as a parent driving you to practice, a teammate helping you practice skills, or a friend encouraging you to go for a hike.
Both recognition and support can come from lots of places—friends, family, teammates, coaches, or even social media. The key is that they make you feel seen and valued for what you’re doing.
Why Recognition and Support Matter
Let’s face it—getting started with physical activity or sticking to a routine isn’t always easy. You might feel too tired, busy, or unsure about your abilities. Here’s where recognition and support come into play.
Motivation to Start and Stick with It
When someone recognizes your efforts, it boosts your confidence and makes you feel capable. For example, if your coach says you’ve improved your basketball skills, it can inspire you to keep practicing. Similarly, having friends or family encourage you can make you feel less alone and more motivated to keep going, even when it gets tough.Building Long-Term Habits
If you get support consistently, it becomes easier to build a routine. For example, let’s say your older sibling reminds you to set aside time for a jog or a workout. Over time, that routine becomes second nature, and you'll feel more confident planning your own schedule.
The Positive Impact on Your Interest and Participation
Think about a time someone said something positive about your effort in physical activity. How did it make you feel? Chances are, it made you want to try even harder.
Here’s how recognition and support make physical activity more fun and fulfilling:
Boosting Confidence: When others notice your hard work, it makes you believe in your abilities.
Creating a Sense of Belonging: Being part of a team or group where people support each other makes you feel included.
Encouraging Exploration: Support can give you the courage to try new activities, whether it’s yoga, rock climbing, or martial arts.
Organizing and Planning with a Little Help
Ever struggled to balance school, hobbies, and staying active? That’s totally normal. Recognition and support can help here, too!
Practical Help: A parent or friend can remind you to pack your gym bag or block out time in your schedule for practice.
Advice: A coach might suggest the best way to practice your skills or improve your stamina.
Accountability: When someone checks in on your progress, it pushes you to stay on track.
For example, if a friend agrees to go for a run with you every Saturday morning, it’s easier to stick to that plan because you don’t want to let them down.
Fostering Healthy, Active Living
When recognition and support are part of your physical activity journey, it’s about more than just sports or exercise—it’s about creating a lifestyle.
Mental Health Boosts: Knowing you have people rooting for you can reduce stress and improve your mood.
Building Healthy Habits: Support makes it easier to stick to activities that keep your body and mind strong.
Inspiring Others: When you get support and recognition, you’re more likely to pass it on to others, creating a ripple effect of positivity.
Reflect and Take Action
Now, take a moment to think:
Who has supported or recognized your physical activity efforts recently?
How did their support make you feel?
How can you show recognition and support to others?
If you feel like you could use more support, don’t be afraid to ask for it! Talk to your parents, friends, or teachers about your goals and let them know how they can help.
Final Thoughts
Recognition and support are like fuel for your physical activity journey—they keep you going and help you grow. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your game to the next level, knowing someone’s got your back makes all the difference.
So, get out there, stay active, and don’t forget to celebrate not just your wins but also the effort it takes to keep moving forward. And while you're at it, be someone else’s biggest supporter, too.