ASMR – it’s something that’s gained a lot of traction over the past few years but is also still a mystery to many. If you’ve never come across it before, ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which in simple terms is a calming, tingling sensation that some people feel when they encounter triggers like certain noises and movements.
Think good goosebumps that affect the scalp and sometime sweep down the rest of the body. While not everyone is lucky enough to have this response, recent studies show that those who do can experience genuine physical and emotional benefits, such as:
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- Slower heart rate
- Improved mood
- Muscle relaxation
- Increased feelings of social connection
The mechanisms involved in causing this haven’t been fully explored as yet, but the effects are undeniable.
So, just what are the types of things that can cause this mysterious phenomenon? Well, perhaps you’re already aware of certain sounds, visuals and other sensations you find strangely enjoyable. If not, there are lots of things out there to explore. Some of the more common ASMR triggers include:
- Whispering
- Tapping
- Chewing
- Humming
- Purring
- Rain falling
- Crackling
- Pages turning
- Watching factory production lines in action
- Ambient music and ‘coloured’ noise
- Twinkling lights
- Gentle touch
It’s thought that part of the reason why such triggers can be calming is that they take you away from your thoughts and help you concentrate on feeling, giving your brain the chance to take a break. In fact, some recent research indicates that ASMR may be as effective as meditation in helping you to relax.
Like most things, what works for some may not work for others. The emotional and physical responses you have are highly dependent on the type of stimulation. Personally, the endless sound of a dripping tap or someone chewing would do very bad things for my mood and blood pressure. For others, those triggers might be their ticket to chill out central. The trick is to experiment and find out exactly what works for you.
A good place to start is somewhere like YouTube or your favourite music streaming service. There are literally millions of ASMR videos and tracks to dig into on your quest to find the ultimate brain tingle. There are even ambient noise machines you can buy if the sound of a babbling brook or distant thunderstorm are up your street. (As an aside, if you suffer from tinnitus like I do, finding a fan or other humming noise at the right frequency can cancel out your own incessant ringing – just a top tip.)
So, if you’re looking for a new way to reduce the stresses of the day, why not delve into the world of ASMR? You might just find something tantalisingly tingly to soothe your cares away.
