Anticipatory cognition can shape and influence our perception, emotions, cognition, and behavior. Previous studies on the diving reflex and baroreflex, two fundamental physiological reflexes related to heart rate, have observed changes in heart rate even before the triggering stimulus began. This suggests a potential role of anticipatory cognition. Therefore, this study investigates the relationship between the diving reflex, the baroreflex, and anticipatory cognition. We triggered subjects' diving and baroreflexes under both anticipated and non-anticipated conditions by having them hold their breath and move from a seated to a standing position, respectively. Heart rate was measured using a pulse oximeter clipped to the finger. Heart rate changes served as the key indicator for data analysis. Our results showed that in both the diving reflex and baroreflex experiments, the time point at which heart rate began to change was earlier in the anticipated group compared to the non-anticipated group. Additionally, the magnitude of the heart rate change was greater. These findings suggest that anticipatory cognition is related to the performance of both the diving reflex and the baroreflex. The results of this study may have potential applications in the training of divers and athletes, as well as in the treatment of autonomic nervous system-related disorders.