On Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

In this episode of heartbeat, Dr. Brooke Stuart dives into a discussion on heart rate variability (HRV). Understanding HRV allows for the identification of stress levels, emotional regulation, and overall resilience, providing a foundation for interventions aimed at improving both mental and physical health.

  • Heart Rate Variability (HRV): Through monitoring heart rate variability (HRV), we are able to gain insight into how our nervous system is functioning. Heart rate variability (HRV) is the slight variation in time between heartbeats measured in milliseconds. It’s a non-invasive technique that can be used to analyze the autonomic nervous system and index neurocardiac function. HRV is generated by heart-brain interactions and ANS processes, and is an emergent property of regulatory systems that can help us to adapt- as it is an indicator of resilience and behavioral flexibility. Through monitoring HRV we are able to gain insight into how our nervous system is functioning- and how it is working behind the scenes to automatically regulate our heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and digestion among other key tasks.
  • The Autonomic Nervous System: The ANS is divided into two parts: sympathetic (fight, flight, freeze, appease) and parasympathetic (rest and digest) nervous systems.
  • HRV Scores: High scores indicate a relaxed, rest and digest state (60-100) while lower scores suggest sympathetic activation (40-55).
  • Wearables: By understanding HRV through an ECG or wearables like oura ring, apple watch, polar bands and Heartmath tools, we can begin to shift it through our power of choice, my favorite being the heart-based practice. Now, there are even companion devices that help regulate the system like Heartmath’s inner balance, moonbird, and Apollo Neuro to help us shift our state
  • Heart-Based Practice: The heart-based practice is my absolute favorite self-regulatory tool to date, where you can reconnect. reset. and remember all that you are, have and can do by placing your hands over your own heart for three minutes. For the full walkthrough, check here.

Not sure where to begin? Sign up for a Free Let Go and Grow® Membership with instant access to the heart-based practice, a simple 3 min. meditation and a wellness workshop designed to optimize mental health and well-being, sign up right here- no strings attached!

More Resources

Check out our Mind Body Reset right here. This 6 week course is where you will have the opportunity to send your mind and body an empowering, new message of safety and peace through your presence and the same mindset, diet, lifestyle techniques and holistic therapies that I use in my private practice- as you establish a new baseline for your health and well-being and build a relationship with it based on the truth about healing.

For a FREE 7 Day Mind Body Reset, check here!

For more information, support and a tried and true springboard that can help you address the fundamentals and unlock your power to heal, make sure to schedule a free holistic consultation and check out letgoandgrow.com! To learn more about holistic healthcare and working with Dr. Brooke in private practice, check here.