Darragh talks introduces us to Heart Rate Variability & how to use it to manage stress in work & exercise.

1. Heart Rate Variability
Introduction to heart rate variability tracking
Darragh O'Neill

2. What is heart rate variability?
• Measure of the “Variance between heart beats”
• Measured over a period of time (1minute minimum)
• Gives an insight into how stressed our nervous system is
• Is a quantitative(numerical) measure of stress
• Influenced by the autonomic nervous system(Automatic!)
• Divided into two branches

3. Example of even heart rate( i.e. stressed
response)

4. Stressfull!!

5. Science bit!
• Autonomic nervous system is involved in regulating stress or arousal
level
• Divided into two branches
• One that speeds up our reactions
• One that slows down our reactions
• Like an accelerator and a brake in your car

6. Flight or flight response (Sympathetic
response)
• Involved in events that trigger the safety of the individual
• Classic example being running away from a dangerous animal

7. Rest and digest response (Parasympathetic
response)
• Involved during restful and energy building activities
• Digestion of food being a key example
• Restful activities increase the signal to the parasympathetic nervous
system(will get to these later)

8. Video explaining difference between the
branches

9. Who measures hrv?
• Athletes
• Executives
• Silicon valley entrepreneurs
• Everyday people who want to get more control over their life and
Manage their stress better