What does the stress level mean?
The stress index is derived from RMSSD: the more your beat-to-beat intervals vary, the lower the index.
The bands
- Under 30 — calm.
- 30 to 60 — mild tension.
- 60 and above — high stress.
What it isn't
It's a simplified measure, not the full Baevsky stress index used in research, which needs a much longer recording than a fingertip measurement. When a recording has fewer than five clean intervals, the app reports 35 — the middle of the normal range — rather than zero, because no data shouldn't read as perfect calm.
Bring it down
- Sit comfortably and breathe slowly: about four seconds in and six seconds out.
- Keep going for about five minutes — around six breaths a minute.
- Measure again and compare.
FAQ
- Is a high stress reading a problem?
- Not on its own. Coffee, a rushed morning or a poor night all push it up. Watch your weekly trend, and speak to a doctor if you're worried about how you feel.
Your pulse in 45 seconds
Heart Rate & Health - Novaz reads your heart rate from your iPhone camera, with HRV, stress, energy and a Heart Score. No account — your data stays on your phone. A wellness app, not a medical device.
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