diff --git a/docs/reference/templates/HEARTBEAT.md b/docs/reference/templates/HEARTBEAT.md
index 45d86581f..9cbbab982 100644
--- a/docs/reference/templates/HEARTBEAT.md
+++ b/docs/reference/templates/HEARTBEAT.md
@@ -5,4 +5,5 @@ read_when:
 ---
 # HEARTBEAT.md
 
-Keep this file empty unless you want a tiny checklist. Keep it small.
+# Keep this file empty (or with only comments) to skip heartbeat API calls.
+# Add tasks below when you want the agent to check something periodically.