About This Episode
A conversation with the man who discovered HRV in the 1960s and created Polyvagal Theory. Dr. Stephen Porges explains how the vagus nerve impacts heart rate, HRV, and emotional resiliency, and how we can use this knowledge to optimize mental and physical performance.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Porges first quantified HRV in 1969, founding the field
- Polyvagal Theory explains how our nervous system responds to safety and threat
- The vagus nerve is the key pathway for HRV and emotional regulation
- Social engagement activates the ventral vagal pathway, increasing HRV
- Understanding your nervous system helps optimize performance under stress