What is HRV?
Heart rate variability (HRV) describes the continuous adjustment of the heart rate and is calculated from the intervals between the individual heartbeats. Our heart has the ability to continuously adapt to life's challenges!
This process is controlled by our autonomic nervous system. Its two teammates, the sympathetic and the parasympathetic, have constant access to our bodies functions and are a finely tuned, high-performance system!
Fight or Flight
The sympathetic nervous system is part of our autonomic nervous system. Activation increases our willingness to perform and act by influencing a number of organ and body functions. In the spirit of a "fight or flight" mode, a stress reaction is triggered that releases energy reserves, increases our heart rate and blood pressure or widens our bronchi for a better oxygen supply. An acute increase in the sympathetic system gives us the decisive energy boost in the important moments!
However, it looks completely different when our sympathetic system is constantly activated: Chronic stress can make us sick and ultimately rob us of all our energy!
Rest & Repair
The parasympathetic, in contrast to the sympathetic, is the part of the autonomic nervous system which, when activated, ensures rest and relaxation in the body. With its largest part, the vagus nerve, it coordinates the functions of the organs so that the human body can come into a state of recovery. This resting nerve ensures that our heartbeat slows down and the digestive system is activated so that new energy reserves can be created. Under his influence, repair processes are initiated and our system is geared towards healing!
"Viva Las Vagus!"