ASMR has been gaining momentum throughout society as a way to relax and unwind, however, a lot of people (such as myself) don't know what ASMR stands for! And a lot more people haven't experienced it at all!
ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which in sum, is the tingly, good feeling you get when someone plays with your hair or massages on your neck. Most people experience a form of ASMR when they get their hair cut or go to the dentist, but many people haven't realized that you can get this same enjoyable experience through Youtube videos. Most of us have experienced ASMR, but not all of us intentionally go searching for the experience.
Surprisingly, a lot of people haven't experienced true ASMR, and that's mostly because you haven't found your "trigger". When I say true ASMR, I'm talking about how that tingly feeling starts in your head and travels down your body. Triggers such as tapping, scratching, and whispering can give certain people ASMR. There are thousands of videos out there where someone is tapping on a desk, that when listened to (with headphones), your body experiences a sensation that relaxes you.
There are thousands of people on Youtube who make ASMR videos. This is great because just about anyone will be able to find what they like. Personally, I look for videos where the Youtuber isn't talking, and mainly tapping or scratching on a 3Dio. A 3Dio is a "professional binaural microphone" that is used for ASMR and VR. I prefer it when the Youtuber uses this device (opposed to just tapping on a desk) because the sound differences between your left and right ear are much clearer. It is easier to tell where the person is making the sound in relation to your ears.
ASMR is beneficial to your health too! If you struggle with sleeping, anxiety, or stress, ASMR might help you reach that state of equilibrium. The ASMR videos can be beneficial because they are basically another form of meditation. ASMR is great for getting your mind away from the more stressful things in life, and instead focusing on the pleasurable feelings you get from ASMR. Personally, I used ASMR videos to fall asleep, or become sleepy. My mind tends to race before bed, and ASMR has become a great way for me to relax and fall asleep.
ASMR can be as good as you want it to be. It does take some time, though, to figure out what you like. Discovering ASMR could change your life, so taking the time to find what helps you the most will increase the benefits you gain from it. Just simply search around Youtube, you'll never believe what you can find, and hopefully you will learn more about yourself as well!
If don't know where to start, check out these channels: fastASMR, Deluca ASMR, and ASMRSoundSpace.
And personally, my favorite video as of today is:
