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He highlights the difference between hope and knowledge: Hope is unreliable when facing deadly circumstances, whereas proper training and understanding of your capabilities can be lifesaving. With this confidence, he notes, part of his mental preparation involves knowing exactly how long he can hold his breath, and this reduces panic during emergencies.
The Science and Technique Behind Breath Training
Jurogan references a short course he took on breath-hold training, which taught him techniques similar to meditation. Instead of counting seconds or relying on hope, he focuses on detailed mental visualization and complex scenarios, such as mentally packing for a trip while underwater. This detailed visualization helps divert the mind from the urge to breathe and extends his breath hold.