Heart rate variability
The variation in the intervals between heartbeats — an indicator of the nervous system's flexibility.
What it means
Higher variability generally means a greater capacity to switch between effort and settling. Chronic stress, poor sleep and alcohol lower it.
Why it matters
Because it shows that settling isn’t only a feeling but a measurable bodily state — and that breath, movement and sleep affect it, not only thoughts.
See also
School anxiety
School-related distress, which often shows up as a physical symptom in the mornings.
Psychoeducation
An explanation of how a difficulty works — part of therapy, not an introduction to it.
Peer consultation
Consultation between colleagues of equal standing about demanding cases — a complement to supervision.
