Yoga for Better Heart Rate Variability
Nov 08, 2023
Hello fellow yogis,
Studies have suggested that yoga may assist with improving heart rate variability. Through breath control and physical movement. The evidence supports that breath linked to movement in yoga classes gives rise to the variance in heart rate.
Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of the variation in time between successive heartbeats. In other words, it quantifies the fluctuations in your heart rate. This variability is not random. It reflects the complex interplay within the autonomic nervous system. The sympathetic nervous system handles the "fight or flight" response. While the parasympathetic system promotes rest and relaxation.
Here's why this matters, when it comes to mental health:
- Balancing Your Autonomic Nervous System. In individuals with depression, there's often an imbalance. A higher HRV is associated with a more balanced system. This can improve emotional well-being.
- Taming Stress Responses. Depression and anxiety often goes hand in hand with heightened stress responses. A lower HRV might be an indicator of this. By working on increasing your HRV, you can better manage stress. This can enhance your emotional resilience.
- Regulating Emotions: HRV is linked to the brain's ability to regulate emotions. So, boosting your HRV can aid emotional regulation.
- Monitoring Treatment Efficacy. HRV serves as a useful tool for tracking the effectiveness of mental health treatments.
Keep this in mind in your next class as you make your asana into a moving meditation by moving consciously with breath awareness and smooth nasal breathing.
Not sure how to do this?
Well, this is normal.
Plus, it’s possible to change this.
It’s also something I teach in my online coaching program. It's currently underway, but will launch again in February 2024.
Cheers
Liz
