STRESS WELL FOR SCHOOLS: 2.2 measuring heart rate

STRESS WELLby

Nicola Morgan

www.nicolamorgan.com

2.2Measuring your

heart rate

Heart rate

• Your heart does not always beat at the same speed

• It goes faster when you are being active• And when you are stressed• Very physically fit people tend to have a

slower heart rate• And so do very relaxed people

How to measure

See where the pink dots are?

Place two fingers nearthere and move them tillyou feel a pulse beating

Count

• Using a timer, count how many beats in 20 seconds.

• You might need to do it a few times – it’s important to be accurate!

• Then multiply by 3• That is your heart rate – “bpm” or “beats per

minute”

How fast is your heart beating?

• Normally, a resting heart rate, if you have not just been exercising, would be between 60 and 100

• A heart rate at the higher end can mean that you are stressed or anxious

• When you can notice signs of stress, you can have real control

STRESS WELLby

Nicola Morgan

www.nicolamorgan.com

2.2Measuring your

heart rate