Have you ever heard a sound that seems to massage your brain and send a relaxing wave down your body?
With so many distractions, pings and ringtones going about our day, it can be stressful. However, with the rise of audio that is geared towards calming us down and helping us sleep, it seems that ASMR is here to stay.
What exactly is ASMR?
There are certain sounds that put us at ease - be it to clear our minds or help us concentrate on certain tasks. This is known as autonomous sensory meridian response A.K.A ASMR, which has been around for a long time. Coined in 2010, ASMR has seen an increase, especially during the pandemic as more people seek ways of escaping from a stressful environment. These 'brain massages' that we get from listening to certain sounds or placid sights help us unwind and relax.
If you can’t beat tech…
The reality that most of us face is living in a world where we are surrounded by screens. From the moment we wake up to the time we nod off to sleep, technology plays a central part in everything that we do.
However, there are times when this gets overwhelming. Furthermore, booking a quick holiday escape to a luxurious island where all you hear is the sound of crashing waves may not be possible for everyone. Our next best option is to use what we have to find ways to help us destress.
A quick search on YouTube for relaxing sounds or ASMR will yield 5.2 million results for you to block out the stresses that are preventing you from relaxing. According to Think With Google, 'ASMR sleep' is one of the top related terms that people search for when it comes to finding ways to sleep through the night. If you have ever played nature sounds such as the sound of rain, waves, thunder or rushing wind or enjoy the soothing voice of someone relaying a bedtime story, you have been participating in the rising trend of ASMR.
Where can you unwind?
Whether you want to tap into a relaxing mood on the go or find yourself tossing and turning at night, some sounds and visuals are designed to put you at ease. It is better to listen to ASMR at night to prevent being kept up by the effects of blue light from screens that also contribute to us not being able to sleep. A quick search for sounds you find relaxing can be found on YouTube, but you can also try platforms such as:
Go ahead and take a moment to unwind.