Understanding Heart Rate Vulnerability: Tools for a More Regulated Nervous System

In this episode, Lauren dives into the importance of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and how it reflects the state of your nervous system. She shares seven practical ways to support and improve HRV—like cold water exposure, humming, singing, rhythm, eye movement, laughter, caring touch, and play-based activities. Her message is clear: if you're feeling tired or overwhelmed, your nervous system is asking for help. The good news? You now have some simple tools to support it. Don't worry about being perfect—just aim for progress.If you haven't already, check out Five Ives to see how strategies like this can be applied to adults, especially in the workplace. Five Ives works with staff in high burnout jobs to help them incorporate regulation strategies into their daily routines.Resources:Stephen W. Porges, PhD- Polyvagal TheoryElite HRVWelltoryOther related resources from The Behavior Hub: Blog Post: Polyvagal TheorySympathetic Nervous SystemFight or Flight: Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS)Rest & Digest: Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS)Podcast:From Stuck to Safe: A Deeper Dive to Rewiring Your Nervous System After Freeze & FawnWhy Freeze State Happens in Two Different Ways (and Why it Matters)Cold Exposure: How the Cold Can Calm your Nervous SystemBeyond Deep Breaths: Surprising Ways to Reset your SystemFind Your Way Back to the Window of ToleranceI Can't Stop Talking about the Nervous System5 Ives episodeOur Online Courses: Classroom Design with the Brain in MindFrom Conflict to Calm:  How to communicate with kids so they listen the FIRST time!4 Simple Steps to Problem SolvingDo you have a question? I can answer it in a future episode!Email questions to [email protected] or send via text to 717-693-7744.Subscribe to our mailing list and find out more about the Emotional Brain.Check out our Facebook Group – Raising and Teaching Respectful Children The Behavior Hub websiteThe Behavior Hub blogAre you struggling with behaviors and not sure where to begin? Let me help! Schedule a free discovery callAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.