ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and it refers to a phenomenon which is usually experienced through a relaxing tingling in the scalp and the back of the neck and can extend into the rest of the body.
Have you ever felt this relaxing sensation when listening to someone speak?
Maybe hearing a specific sound? Or perhaps watching someone do a 
methodical task? Triggers can take many forms and you may find that these change over time. For me, ASMR works best when combined with physical touch, like a light stroking of the hand. However, this can be hazardous when one lives with a cat that likes to pounce on moving hands! Not very relaxing I can tell you!
I first became aware of ASMR (although at this point, I didn’t know that this is what it was) during school when, at break times, people would eat their snacks and the crinkling sounds of the crisp or chocolate packets would send me into a dream-like trance. Then the same sensation occurred when playing make-over games with friends; the fluffy, soft make-up brush slowly gliding over my face combined with a soft voice close to me was enough to send me again to the dream-like state. ASMR has often been likened to meditation and there seems to be similarities between the two.
In adulthood I stumbled across ASMR when looking for a relaxing video on YouTube to try and help me sleep. Sleep had been evading me, thoughts on a loop keeping me awake, unable to drift off. At first I tried listening to rain sounds and this was soothing but didn’t help me sleep. Then I stumbled across Heather Feather’s channel. Her soothing whispers and simulated ear massages allowed me to clear my mind of all thoughts and focus on the relaxing pleasure brought to me by certain sounds. There are many ASMR videos that I never make it to the end of; I’m already snoozing away five minutes in. It’s like having someone there, in your ear, giving you personal attention to help you relax.
Over the past year my ASMR tastes have changed. I have my favourite artists and my favourite ‘go to’ videos. I don’t mind admitting that I may even be a bit of an addict. I log in nightly to see if my favourite artists have uploaded a video and whether that video includes my favourite triggers (currently whispering, page turning, certain words, ear cupping and ‘haul’ videos). Nothing better than snuggling down under the duvet to listen to the dulcet tones of Whisper Latina or BrittanyASMR.
These days it’s not so much about the tingles; it’s about being able to sleep peacefully, avoid anxiety and find comfort within an online community.
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