How To Reduce Stress and Anxiety With ASMR
Emerging from the corners of the Internet is a relatively new genre of relaxation videos called ASMR, short for autonomous sensory meridian response. Through a variety of different ‘triggers,’ such as tapping or whispering, ASMRtists prompt a tingling sensation that a large proportion of the population can experience in order to reduce stress and anxiety. This same sensation is present throughout daily life in the chills we receive from music or when someone brushes your hair.
Skepticism is typically the first response to learning about ASMR. Some people find it unsettling or even creepy to watch these videos, whereas others feel relaxed and cared for. There’s a mix of responses that, to a great extent, depends on whether you get the chills from normal stimuli.
Finding the particular triggers that work for you is a trial-and-error process. Each ASMRtist has a different style, from the harsh and rough sounds of fastASMR to the soothing voice of Gentle Whispering, and figuring out your preferences takes some time. In the middle of the week, swamped and beaten down by the workload on my shoulders, I can’t find the energy to focus on the ins and outs of the mind as meditation usually requires. Though ASMR is vastly different from meditation, it’s an easy way to relax and fall asleep. In fact, there is a whole genre of ASMR videos that focus on helping you fall asleep.
I discovered ASMR at a difficult time in my life. There wasn’t anyone to turn to, or the will to find words that would express the pain inside. When I started watching ASMR videos, I would listen to affirmations that you’re not alone in this world, you are valuable and worthwhile. That rubbed off on me, even if it was a sort of pseudo-love that passed between our screens. ASMR is definitely not everyone’s cup of tea, but it was mine and could be yours.