Heart Rate Variability in Relation to Stress Management

HRV reflects the heart’s ability to adapt to different situations and provides insight into health and well being.

Our autonomic system (ANS) is often referred to as our rest and digest or fight or flight system. In calm circumstances the parasympathetic system is at work to allow for time to rest and cope with stress.

During stressful times (including good stress) our sympathetic nervous system works to prepare the body to respond to stressors and adapt. An example of this is relocating resources such as blood flow to the muscles instead of digestive system.

HRV can be a useful tool to determine imbalances between your activity and recovery.

In general we want a higher HRV which indicates better adaptability.

If you experience periods of lower HRV make sure to take time to focus on including restful periods and prioritising high quality sleep.

Additional tips for stress management:

• Using meditation or breathing

• Spending time outdoors

• Alternate heavier training days with lower intensity movement

• Stay active with fun activities such as sports or ball games on the beach (any fun hobbies)

•  Make time for beneficial social activities (filling your cup instead of draining it)