Feeling productive but still wiped out? This episode connects emotional intelligence to your stress response through HRV (heart rate variability), so you can build real capacity instead of white-knuckling your way through burnout.
Matt Bennett—author, trauma-informed care leader, and co-founder/CEO of Optimal HRV—breaks down HRV in plain English: what it measures, why flexibility matters, and how your nervous system handles and recovers from stress over time. We also talk about midlife identity shifts, post-traumatic growth, and the paradox of feeling more alive while still asking, “Who am I becoming?”
In this episode, you’ll learn:
- HRV explained simply (and why it’s a powerful resiliency metric)
- The difference between pushing through vs. building capacity with small habits
- How to approach stress as a “positive challenge” without tipping into overwhelm
- Practical nervous-system supports: breathwork, sleep consistency, habit stacking
- What it looks like to sit with uncertainty and transitions without spiraling
If this resonated, follow the show and share it with someone who’s been running on fumes.
Get Connected & Support the Show:
- Listen to the companion podcast: It's Both- Guided Meditations for Anxiety, Emotional Regulation, & Real Life Transitions
- Get connected with Matt Bennett
- Learn more about Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
- Subscribe, rate, & review It's Both on Apple Podcasts
- Join the Courageous Living Group Transformation
