The Heartbeat Rhythm
Bouncing Heartbeat
You may think a stable heart rate is best, but actually, the optimal heart rate varies from beat to beat. This beat to beat variability is highest when we are young and declines with age.
Breathing Moves the Beat
Our heart rate changes when we breathe. Breath in, and our heart rate goes up. Breath out, and our heart rate goes down. This is why a slow exhale has a calming effect. The vagus nerve slows the heartbeat.
Regular Rhythm
Ideally, your heartbeat variation follows a regular pattern. The variation itself has a rhythm. Chaotic variation in a heartbeat is related to stress.
Beat to Good Vibes
Many conditions respond to improving heart rate variability: depression, diabetes, fibromyalgia, insomnia, asthma, and others. There is also a link between good heart rate variability (HRV) and healthy blood pressure.
Practice Breathing
To put your body into the ideal HRV zone, breath slower than usual, using only the diaphragm. Breath in for 4 seconds, breath out for 5 seconds, and pause 5 seconds between each. Try to keep this pace for two minutes. While you’re doing this, focus your attention on where your heart is in your chest. This breathing technique activates the vagus nerve. Try to do this several times a day to build a healthy heartbeat rhythm.
Emotional Drum Beat
We also know that positive feelings help improve the rhythm of your heart rate variability. An attitude of thankfulness improves your heartbeat’s pattern. Gratitude is good for your heart and your soul.
