I recently learned about HRV – Heart rate variability (HRV) is a measure of variation in heart rate. A healthy heart beats at a varied rate. That made me think of how living a varied full life leads to having a healthy one. As the below video explains, the more bumpy the better! Who knew? Contrary to what you may think, variation is what leads to health. Reduced HRV has been shown to be a predictor of mortality. In other words, if you have a low varied heart rate, you’re closer to death’s door. Picture a person doing the same mundane thing in life, no joy, no inspiration, the same old story with no variation and it’s much like having a low HRV! Low variation leads to death. I find that fascinating.
According to the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur research network on Socioeconomic Status and Health several studies suggest that there is a link between negative emotions (such as anxiety and hostility) and reduced HRV. That makes me think of being pierced with the sword of trauma. If you stay in the pain, it creates more pain. If you have a low variation in your heart rate, you have a low chance of living.
So, are you interested in having a healthy life and a healthy heart? What is varied about it? I speak a lot about living a full joyful life and it seems like the same goes for your physical health, so jump for joy!
Have some variation in your life!
I’ve seen the mundane quicksand that can get someone stuck in low vibrations. It happens a lot when people are stuck in their victim story. Yes, there is a lot of abuse and violence in the world, but being stuck in the story or having the sword of trauma piercing through your body leads to living a very unhappy life. But you have that choice! Some people will argue with you until they’re blue in the face that they can’t move forward because of what has happened to them. I think it’s because the future is uncertain. It’s easy to be addicted to pain and suffering. It’s quite familiar to many to stay in the same old story, same old life, same old heart beat. Who knew that a varied heart rate is the healthy kind just like who knew that you can live a joyful lives no matter what you’ve been through?
My life is extremely varied. Those who know me personally are nodding right now. Though I made a film addressing the epidemic of child sexual abuse, rape and domestic violence, my life is not at all about trauma. I created The Survivor Manual as a place for survivors on all parts of the path to healing could find answers to the myriad of questions that come with surviving. On this site, I talk about a variety of things, just like a healthy heart. Here’s to a varied heart rate and living a whole life.
