Keeping Things in Perspective : HRV

Over the past few years there has been more and more hype about Heart Rate Variability (HRT) and how it can impact our health, wellbeing and productivity. 

Health wearables are becoming more sophisticated and accessible. You don't have to buy a specialist Oura ring, or WHOOP to track your HRV, they are popping up in every day sports wearables too. 

There is no doubt that any method to increase our self awareness is helpful in our personal and work lives. At the same time, as with any increase in self awareness, we need to bring in the same amount of self care and self acceptance. By this, I don't mean take a fixed approach and do nothing to manage our optimise our HRV. I do mean, use the data in a way that keeps things in perspective and is proportional. Noone needs something else to obsess and stress over!

Personally, I found that tuning into my heart rate variability (HRV) made a world of difference in how I handle stress and connect with others. However, I’ll admit there was a time when I became overly focused on my HRV levels—turning this helpful tool into just another thing to worry about.

It’s vital to pull back and recognise that HRV is simply an indicator, a helpful tool to support us in flourishing rather than a measure to chastise us for not being perfect. Ultimately, this tool can either promote our well-being or, in some cases, grind us down and leave us feeling worse. So, it’s all about using it wisely.

Now, what is HRV? Quite simply, it looks at the variations in time between each heartbeat and gives us a window into our autonomic nervous system. More and more of us are beginning to pay attention to HRV as a means of assessing how we’re feeling overall and how well we're managing life’s ups and downs. There’s a range of devices on the market today, from fitness trackers to smartwatches and dedicated heart rate monitors, that can help us keep tabs on our HRV.

So, why should you care about this information? Understanding your HRV can truly empower you. It helps you manage stress, regulate your emotions, and build stronger relationships with those around you. Whether you're tackling the challenges of work, on a quest for self-improvement, or aiming to be a supportive friend or colleague, this awareness can create a solid foundation for effective leadership and collaboration.

In practical terms, pay attention to your HRV readings and reflect on how they relate to your daily life. Consider using a device that tracks your HRV, and experiment with activities like mindfulness, deep breathing, and regular physical exercise to enhance your overall well-being.

At the same time, keep things in perspective. Remember you don't need to be 'perfect'. You're human and this is a tool to serve you. Not the other way around!