Why Some People Are Drawn to ASMR

And how it can soothe your anxiety.

Take two minutes to read, explore, and reflect. By Wendy Rose Gould & Amy Morin, LCSW, Editor-in-Chief Top of Mind Why Some People Are Drawn to ASMR   One of the most surprisingly soothing things you'll find on the internet is ASMR videos. Short for "autonomous sensory meridian response," ASMR refers to a tingling, buzzing, calming sensation that some people experience when watching or listening to certain high-stimuli videos.   These videos may feature close-up visuals and heightened audio of tapping fingers, blowing, whispering, crinkling, typing, and scratching. There are even ASMR videos of people cutting soap, making food, painting, and beyond.    A new study from Northumbria University in England discovered that people with neuroticism and those prone to anxiety are more likely to find ASMR soothing compared to others.   Even when participants didn't experience those tingles, they noted a  reduction in their anxiety levels. To that end, Joanna Greer, PhD, the study's co-author, suggests that ASMR could be considered an intervention for anxiety in general.     If we can add to the options that are available for people to help with anxiety, however that is impacting on their lives, then that can only be a good thing."  — JOANNA GREER, PHD   What This Means For You While ASMR may not produce the same feelings for everyone—including that "brain orgasm" sensation—there's still potential for it to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. In that sense, you can consider ASMR another tool in your belt for self-soothing during heightened moments of anxiety. Some even say it can help lull you to sleep.   On the Bright Side Ways to Stay Positive This Week What's Inspiring Us With over 2 million subscribers, Gentle Whispering ASMR is one of the most popular ASMR channels on YouTube. While whispering is the host's forte, she creates a variety of ASMR videos. Products to Help You Feel Your Best If you prefer audio over video, check out the Sleep and Relax ASMR. There's a new episode every week, and each has the goal of lulling you into a peaceful slumber. Fidget toys offer some of the same soothing benefits of ASMR—and they aren't just for kids. Some fun options include these Dumpling Squishy Stress Balls, Push Bubble Sensory Poppers, and this Fidget Cube. For more stress-relieving products to try, check out our editors' favorites here. Read These Next The 10 Needs of Neurotic People READ NOW Stress and Anxiety Relief: 10 Strategies That Can Help READ NOW How to Break the Cycle of Trauma READ NOW Spread the Light Share the newsletter with someone you know to make their day a little brighter. SHARE We're open to suggestions! If you have any feedback about this newsletter, let us know at feedback@verywell.com.     You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. If someone forwarded you this email, you can subscribe here!   A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY, 10005   © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy