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The mindbodygreen Podcast

562: How to optimize HRV for a longer, healthier life | Leah Lagos, Psy.D.

Oct 13, 2024
In this conversation, Leah Lagos, a health and performance psychologist, shares her expertise on heart rate variability (HRV) and its crucial role in promoting longevity and resilience. She explains how lifestyle factors and breathing techniques can enhance HRV and discusses the unique ways that age and gender influence these metrics. Leah also delves into the impact of technology, like wearables, on health awareness, and explores how music can shape our emotional well-being and relaxation. Her insights illuminate practical paths to better health through mindfulness and data.
01:03:56

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Improving heart rate variability (HRV) is critical for enhancing health and longevity as it indicates the body's stress management capability.
  • Lifestyle factors such as sleep, diet, and exercise greatly influence HRV, emphasizing the need for personalized strategies to optimize it.

Deep dives

The Importance of Heart Rate Variability (HRV)

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a critical measure of the body's ability to manage stress and adapt to challenges. It reflects the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, indicating how well one can respond to stressors and return to a calm state. A higher HRV is associated with efficiency in heart function and has been linked to better overall health and longevity. Understanding HRV can empower individuals to make informed lifestyle choices that can positively impact their well-being.

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