Heart Rate Variability, or HRV for short, is simply a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat.  A normal, healthy heart does not tick evenly like a metronome. Instead, there is a natural variability in the space between heartbeats. In day-to-day life, this variation often goes unnoticed. However, HRV is influenced by a multitude of day-to-day activities such as respiration, exercise, hormones, metabolism, cognitive process, stress, and recovery.

Low HRV

Consistently low HRV is an indication that the body is not adapting or recovering well from stress, as stress reduces HRV. The underlying cause or trigger may be incomplete sleep, physical and mental exhaustion, and sickness.

If the HRV remains low for long periods, there is an increased risk of injuries, insomnia, chronic pain, cardiovascular illness, anxiety-related disorders, and depression.

Healthy HRV

A higher HRV is considered to be healthy. Consistently healthy HRV means that the body is resilient, on track for recovery, and can bounce back from stress effectively. Different ways in which you can maintain high HRV include proper sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, mindful practice, and healthy relationships and interactions.

Those who have healthy HRV are likely to have better focus, daily performance, healthy blood pressure, and resilience to stress. A higher HRV is also linked to cardiovascular health, higher willpower, and calm, positive emotions.

Understanding Stress and Body’s Response

Stress hampers the ability to remain focused and robs you of sleep because the mind is constantly in flux. The body feels tired and sore as a result.

Chronic stress can cause tension throughout the body. The nervous system becomes overactive, and the body releases stress hormones like cortisol. It speeds breathing, increases heart rate, and lowers your heart rate variability.