In my early 20s I went to my GP and told her that I consistently had a 35-45 bpm heartbeat that would lead to heart palpitations. Instead of an eyeroll, she responded by asking and listening. We determined that I was experiencing this at times when I was very focussed on some activity. It didn't matter what it was... walking and pondering something, chopping wood (and again, pondering something), cooking, typing, reading.
Over years of self-observation, I came to realise that, at those very focussed times, it was like my body just forgot to breathe. I'd notice that my breathing had stopped, and almost like I was observing myself would wait and suddenly my body would decide "time to breathe!" and my heart would jump back to 65-70 bpm -- thus the palpitations.
I've learned to manage this by applying meditation techniques and body awareness. But it still surprises me sometimes.
Has anyone else experienced this?
Over years of self-observation, I came to realise that, at those very focussed times, it was like my body just forgot to breathe. I'd notice that my breathing had stopped, and almost like I was observing myself would wait and suddenly my body would decide "time to breathe!" and my heart would jump back to 65-70 bpm -- thus the palpitations.
I've learned to manage this by applying meditation techniques and body awareness. But it still surprises me sometimes.
Has anyone else experienced this?
