ASMR
- Michelle Kent
- Jul 1, 2018
- 3 min read
ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response that sends "tingles" or stimulation to the brain to help us relax. Have you ever felt a relaxing sensation go through your body while someone is playing with your hair or rubbing your back? Or listening to the radio, maybe a station similar to NPR that speaks in nice soft tones, and feel the satisfaction of the crisp voices just run through you? Even hearing someone just turning pages in a book can give someone relaxation. If you've ever experienced situations like these, there's a good chance you have also experienced this thing called ASMR without realizing it.
If you're a YouTube buff like me, you've probably come across ASMR videos while you were surfing the "weird side of YouTube". You know, those odd videos of people speaking in whispers or tapping on random objects or even eating close to a mic. You probably watched it for a second and thought WTF IS THIS?? and clicked out immediately which is unfortunate first in that you didn't open up to it right away (which makes sense) and second, you could have picked the wrong video that could potentially help you relax. ASMR has been known to help "individuals with clinical diagnoses of medical disorders and have reported that these ASMR videos are helpful to their insomnia, anxiety, panic disorders and/or depression" (ASMR University).
The first time I came across an ASMR video was two years ago when one of my favorite YouTubers decided to try it out. I literally had NO IDEA why she was whispering and slowly tapping on her jewelry box, barely explaining what she was doing. I was so confused that I ended the video and moved on. Weeks later, I came across a legit ASMR channel and decided to see what it was actually about. This ASMR YouTuber was gently explaining the nostalgia she got as she tapped and flipped through Goosebumps books. I remember I was lying in bed wide awake watching, then the next minute I was completely passed out. I hadn't even realized I had fallen asleep to this video. After that, I was so interested on why and how I got so relaxed and became obsessed with searching for more of these videos and YouTubers. Turned out there were hundreds of people doing this to help people relax from stress and fall asleep. After realizing what it was all about, my judgement for these videos got thrown out the window and I have been watching and listening to them ever since.
Now like anything else, watching these videos constantly, you may become very attached (like I have) and dependent on them. If I have my earbuds with me, I will almost always being listening to one when I fall asleep so it's also important to try and sleep without it just so it doesn't become an "addiction" I guess you could say lightly... BUT if you're like me and you don't care since there's no harm in it, watch it all you want!! It's fun finding new "triggers" that help you relax. And don't get these videos confused with something sexual........ Some videos may come across this way but I promise you, it's all about relaxation and calming you down.
If you are interested, I've gathered up some of my favorite channels to help you get started. I listen and watch these people all the time... And if ASMR isn't your thing, no harm no foul. :)
If you'd like to know more about this wonderful thing, here's the link to the ASMR University page !!
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