HRV is a measure of the variation in time between each heartbeat. This variation is controlled by the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Monitoring HRV is a non-invasive way to help identify ANS imbalances.

Most of us have developed poor breathing habits over the years and have become shallow chest breathers. Many people also have a resting breathing rate between 12 and 20 breaths per minute. Ideally, we want to instead breathe deeply from our abdomen, called diaphragmatic breathing, at a rate of 6 to 8 breaths per minute. Diaphragmatic breathing can lead to higher HRV, which is thought to have many benefits including: