The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka 236. What Is Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and How Do You Improve It?
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Jan 15, 2026 Discover how heart rate variability (HRV) reflects your body's response to stress and its significance for mental and physical health. Learn what factors influence HRV, like age, fitness, and sleep, and how it can be measured. Explore practical tips to boost HRV, including aerobic exercise and mindful breathing techniques. Understand the critical role of social connections and consistent routines in enhancing your wellbeing. Tune in to find actionable insights that can transform your health journey!
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HRV Reflects Autonomic Flexibility
- Heart rate variability (HRV) measures the variation in time intervals between heartbeats and reflects autonomic nervous system adaptability.
- A higher HRV signals better stress resilience and overall physiological flexibility.
HRV Is A Noninvasive Health Biomarker
- HRV indexes the balance between sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) systems.
- Research links HRV as a non-invasive biomarker to mental and physical health outcomes.
Several Lifestyle Factors Shift HRV
- Multiple factors influence HRV including age, fitness, sleep, hydration, alcohol, and chronic illness.
- HRV generally declines with age and with chronic stress or disease.