Heart Rate Variability (HRV) is one of the most powerful biomarkers we have for understanding how well our body adapts to stress, and it's a core focus in my BioSyncing® Blueprint. But what actually moves the needle on HRV the most?

In this week’s bite-sized episode, I’m sharing a clip from my conversation with Kristen Holmes, VP of Performance Science at WHOOP. Kristen reveals the surprising lifestyle factor that had the biggest impact on her own HRV—one she tracked with elite athletes and validated through scientific research. Plus, I share the tool I’ve been testing to optimise my recovery and circadian rhythms: the Ultra Human Ring.

0:00 – Introduction

1:20 – Lifestyle factors influencing HRV

2:09 – HRV as a measure of stress adaptation

2:48 – Kristen’s 7-year HRV improvement

3:16 – Angela confirms HRV baseline context

3:53 – Harvard study on sleep regularity and GPA

4:46 – Athlete data validates sleep consistency

6:11 – Sleep-wake consistency is Kristen’s top strategy

6:44 – Circadian disruption and mental health

Angela Foster is an award winning Nutritionist, Health & Performance Coach, Keynote Speaker and Host of The High Performance Health Podcast.

A former corporate lawyer turned industry leader in biohacking and health optimisation for women, Angela regularly gives keynotes to large fitness, health and wellness events including the Health Optimisation summit, The Biohacker summit, Dragonfly live, Elevate Fitness conference and Gaia TV. She also delivers Health Optimisation and Performance Workshops to large multinational corporations and senior leaders with a strong focus on women’s health and burnout prevention.

Angela is also the creator of BioSyncing® a blueprint for high performing women who want to ditch burnout, harmonise their hormones and elevate their life.