Exploring ASMR on International ASMR Day

Exploring ASMR on International ASMR Day

In a world where stress is a leading cause of health problems (both mental and physical), perhaps you should turn to the world of ASMR. 

A woman creating ASMR sound on a microphone with a brush
A woman creating ASMR sound on a microphone with a brush/iStock/Jacob Wackerhausen

The concept of ASMR is widely used on social media. While some people scroll past it as just another hashtag, others actively seek it out.

According to an article on Yahoo, "Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) was coined in 2010 by Jennifer Allen, a cybersecurity pro who had experienced it, didn’t know what to call it, and found an entire online community struggling to describe the same thing. The tingly, calming sensation that typically starts at your scalp before moving down your spine – is generally triggered by soft sounds or methodical movements."

If you're still unsure about what ASMR really is, here's a video that captures its essence beautifully. This audio-visual treat is courtesy of TikTok.

@sand.tagious Very Satisfying Video #satisfying #asmr #asmrvideo ♬ original sound - SandTagious

Some people may find ASMR unsettling or even irritating, like the sound of loud chewing or nails scraping a chalkboard. However, the purpose of ASMR is to promote relaxation.

The idea is for the sounds to trigger soothing, calming sensations in those who listen and watch. 

Today marks International ASMR Day, which was first established in 2012 by two content creators and passionate fans of the phenomenon.

KellyMsAutumnRed and Ilse Blansert (known as TheWaterWhispers) set out to clarify the ASMR experience and validate it as a relaxation and mental wellness tool. 

They also sought to create a supportive community for both ASMR enthusiasts and creators.

ASMR videos come in various types, each designed to cater to different relaxation needs, such as aiding sleep or reducing anxiety. 

You could say ASMR videos are like white noise – new parents are often advised to play white noise sounds for their newborns so that they may sleep better.

Here are some popular ASMR types to explore:

  • Whispering ASMR: A soft, breathy whisper into the microphone, often compared to a soothing library voice.

  • Tapping/crinkling ASMR: Common in unboxing videos, where creators tap on glass, crinkle packaging, or use their nails on wood, creating slow, rhythmic sounds.

  • Mic brushing ASMR: Combining whispering and tapping, this technique uses soft tools to brush the microphone, mimicking sounds like hair brushing or fabric rustling.

  • No-talking ASMR: Purely sound-based with no speaking, perfect for those who want to completely zone out.

  • Roleplay ASMR: These POV-style videos feature creators playing calming roles like a doctor, makeup artist, or caretaker.

  • Eating ASMR: For those who don't mind the sounds of slurping and chewing, this genre is all about food-related sounds.

Source: Yahoo

Check out the video below – courtesy of TikTok.

@bluefriday.asmr 👂🏼😴💤 #asmr #asmrsounds #satisfying #notalkingasmr #notalking ♬ original sound - BlueFriday.ASMR
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