Overview:
Your resting heart rate (RHR) is one of the most accessible indicators of your cardiovascular health. It’s the number of times your heart beats per minute while you’re at rest—typically measured first thing in the morning before caffeine or activity. For most adults, a healthy RHR falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute, but lower rates (within range) often signal better heart efficiency and fitness.
Why does this matter? Because your heart is a muscle, and like any muscle, it becomes stronger and more efficient with regular use. A lower RHR means your heart doesn’t have to work as hard to circulate blood, which can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. It’s also a great way to monitor stress—elevated RHR can be a sign your body is under pressure.
Tracking your RHR is easy. You can use a smartwatch or fitness tracker, or simply place two fingers on your wrist or neck, count your pulse for 30 seconds, and multiply by two. Doing this regularly helps you spot trends and make informed decisions about your health.
Even better, small lifestyle changes—like daily movement, better sleep, hydration, and stress management—can improve your RHR over time. This habit takes less than five minutes and can be a powerful motivator for long-term wellbeing.
Your Challenge:
- Option 1: Check your resting heart rate first thing in the morning.
- Option 2: Use your smartwatch or fitness tracker to log your heart rate for a week.
- Option 3: Learn one breathing technique to lower your heart rate naturally.
- Go Above & Beyond: Log your heart rate in your digital wellness journal.
