Kristen Holmes on Performance, Sleep and Psychophysiology
“The opportunity here is using research on the physiological side and on the psychological side to understand what are the things that we need to focus on.”
— KRISTEN HOLMES
In this episode, we are joined by Kristen Holmes. As Vice President of Performance Science at WHOOP, Kristen drives thought leadership by engaging with industry-leading researchers and partners to understand better individual and team biometric and performance data across high-stakes verticals. Kristen also works with hundreds of the best tactical, professional, surgical teams and NCAA Athletes/Teams worldwide, helping them interpret WHOOP data to optimize training, recovery, and sleep behavior.
Kristen was a 3x All American, 2 x Big 10 Athlete of the year at the University of Iowa, competing in Field Hockey and Basketball. 7-year member of the U.S. National Field Hockey Team and one of the most successful coaches in Ivy League history, having won 12 league titles in 13 seasons and a National Championship at Princeton University. Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sloan Executive MBA Candidate (‘20), MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence Certificate, M.A. Psychology, and Sports Performance, B.S., Political Science, University of Iowa.
Connect with Kristen:
Instagram @kristen_holmes2126
I'm excited to bring this conversation with Kristen Holmes. And as many of you know, long time listeners, I've been a whoop user for over a year now and probably really close to two years. And it's been an enjoyable experience to talk about this performance data and track your metrics.
I know that many people don't feel the need to use wearables like this at this time. But given the unique situation of this pandemic to date this conversation. I believe these devices have even more power to give users feedback about how their body's responding to not only stress that is precipitated by this pandemic.
But also we can look inside our bodies as Kristen alludes to in research about respiratory rate as it relates to the virus in just actually lower respiratory infections in general. Not only that, but we get into the behaviors and different physiology that are all interrelated.
We close out this podcast on psychophysiology, which has been added to the Whoop journal as we recorded this, which they ask you a subjective question is on efficacy, control, and purpose in your life. And this is where my meaning frameworks and how to create behavior patterns and routines to allow you to function best in your life as you see fit.
I often go through this podcast, and I get a little worried, but every time I come back, and I listen to the conversation again, when I'm about to release these episodes, I find that even packed more with things that are still relevant for people too. Hopefully, live better.
I find myself digging into more after myself or checking in with myself at the very least to say, Hey, am I still doing these things that either I say or that Kristen brings up? I hope you enjoy this conversation with Kristen Holmes.
Read more on wearables here: Wearables: Meet WHOOP and Oura Ring
Get a free WHOOP 4.0 and one month free when you join with my link.
Show Notes:
[00:06:56] How did Kristen get interested in wearable technology?
[00:09:01] What is Heart Rate Variability (HRV)?
Everything You Need to Know About Heart Rate Variability (HRV)
[00:11:50] Perception vs. Internal Signal in terms of Recovery
[00:13:51] Whoops isn't a step tracker
[00:16:40] Providing Information on areas of improvement
[00:18:54] Quality of Sleep
Top Factors That Determine Sleep Quality
[00:20:45] Consistency of Sleep and Compromising on the weekends
[00:22:18] Getting through sleep deprivation
[00:23:22] Blue light blocking glasses
Blue Light Glasses - Helpful or Just Hype?
[00:25:43] Dr. Andrew Huberman and sky transitions
[00:27:09] Sunlight, Vitamin D, Fish Oil, and effect on physical states
[00:29:06] General Guidelines and then find what works best for you
[00:32:24] Iterative Process and Domino Effect
[00:34:11] Intermittent Fasting to improve behaviors
Intermittent fasting | Peter Attia
[00:35:18] Autoregulation
[00:37:55] Magnesium benefits before bed
[00:40:38] Research with Whoop
[00:42:43] COVID-19 and Resilience
[00:45:51] Psychophysiology
[00:50:04] What is a meaning framework and where to start?
Self-Control Strength Depletion Reduces Self-Efficacy and Impairs Exercise Performance
Self esteem, self efficacy, and locus of control
