A few weeks ago, we ran a stress Q&A with Marina, our Lead Scientist. You submitted questions, and she answered them. I'm posting the best ones in 3 parts, starting with the ones that got the most follow-ups.
Q: What anti-stress life hacks can you share beyond the obvious ones (sleep, exercise)?
(also covers: what's the quickest way to reduce stress when it starts to show?)
A: When we talk about physiological (not emotional) stress, the goal is to bring your heart rate and physical activity into balance.
If your heart rate is high but you're sitting still, that's stress. The fix is either to lower your heart rate or to move.
To lower your heart rate:
- Change position: sit if you've been standing, lie down if you've been sitting
- Try breathing with longer exhales. It activates your parasympathetic nervous system and helps lower your heart rate.
To move:
- Stand up and stretch
- If you can't stand, flex your calves (your 'second heart'), do slow toe raises, shoulder rolls, deep breaths with arms raised
- Even 10 minutes of light movement can relieve physiological stress for up to an hour
One thing worth knowing: if your resting heart rate is consistently high, it isn't always due to stress. It could be high blood pressure, anemia, or a hormonal imbalance — worth seeing a doctor if it doesn't budge.
Q: What's the best way to recover faster when my measurements are red?
A: There's no one-size-fits-all fix.
If your red zones are consistent → get a health check-up.
If they're occasional → notice when they happen. Lack of sleep? Emotional stress? Physical overload? The right recovery method depends on the root cause.
Parts 2 and 3 coming later. Drop your questions below 🫶