The human brain
Humans share the so-called “old brain” (more primitive, linked to reptilian strategies) with many other animals. The “reptilian” component controls our motivations and instinctive behavior.
The reptilian brain is the primitive brain that governs vital functions. It is a fast brain, necessary for the survival instinct. It is the seat of automatic thoughts. It intervenes in the face of fear, and tends to respond as if to a situation of imminent danger of death (real or imagined).
The outside conditions
When we are in water, depending on the circumstances, our reptilian brain may interpret it as an external threat and go on alert, even though our life is not in danger. This creates chronic stress that masks repressed unconscious emotions.
Man kind is basically an earthling, and water is not his element of choice. Alerts will occur depending on the context (external environment) or the person's aptitudes (age, level of practice, emotional liabilities....).
If I don't know how to swim well, if I'm not comfortable, I can quickly find myself under stress depending on:
- water temperature
- Depth
- Agitation (waves, current, lots of people....)
- The ability to see the bottom of water
- Algae or other outside elements
- Stories I heard in the past...
This perceived “danger” is directly processed by the reptilian brain. Giving the order to immediately produce adrenalin and cortisol. If the reptilian brain goes into overdrive, stress increases rapidly and the limbic brain comes into play. The result is the generation of intense emotions (often fear) or the recalling of unpleasant memories. Similarly, limitating beliefs emerge and call into question our abilities.
Under the influence of our emotions and beliefs, the neo cortex is no longer able to express itself. We distort reality, producing, according to some studies, 70% of inappropriate thoughts in relation to the situation we're confronted with. The neo cortex then produces conclusions without proof, focusing on an unfavorable detail without taking all the information into account.
Facing an extreme situation, we can remain completely paralyzed or lose control. Remaining unable to think or have a step back. All these factors tend to increase the stress levels, accelerating the sympathetic nervous system and causing disproportionate breathlessness.
This article is part of a series of articles about breathing and breathlessness. Visit here for other articles.