ASMR

Do you experience stress, or maybe anxiety? Do you experience insomnia or interrupted sleep? If the answer to either of these questions is “yes” – I assume most students can relate to stress at least – and you want a relatively easy solution, then you have come to the right place. 

Despite its popularity explosion on YouTube, there is still some uncertainty about its effectiveness in dealing with the issues I have highlighted above, as well as its bizarre nature, such as watching ASMR artists whisper into a microphone (creepy!). But hopefully I will get rid of some of the grey areas around this new, calming craze…

What does ASMR stand for and how does it work?

ASMR stands for ‘Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response’ and has been characterised by scientists as a tingling sensation on the skin, scalp, followed by a tingling down the neck and spine.

What are the different ASMR triggers and will I experience a ‘tingle’ for all of them?

The triggers performed by the ASMR artists vary greatly. Here are the most popular: whispering; it can be audible, inaudible (where you can’t make out what is being whispered) or unintelligible (where the artist is whispering gibberish), tapping (on any surface), personal attention and physical touching (simulating face touching, hair playing or simply having a conversation with the viewer), page turning, role play (such as a doctor seeing a patient or having a haircut) and eating.

It is unlikely that you will experience a tingling sensation from all of them though. Don’t worry! Due to there being so many ASMR videos out there with it gaining more and more popularity, you’ll be sure to find what most relaxes you. As an ASMR listener myself, I have found that inaudible whispering and eating are my two favourites, but I know that for some, listening to someone chew on their food disgusts them… but it’s simply down to personal preference. If I was to give one tip, I would say don’t be afraid to explore all of the slightly whacky and diverse content that’s out there in order to give yourself the best chance in achieving a state of relaxation.

Is it scientifically proven to cure mental illness and insomnia?

Although ASMR is still unfamiliar territory for a lot of people, it has been scientifically proven to induce you into a relaxed state, locking away any anxieties or depressing thoughts and even drifting the insomniacs into a deep sleep. However, personally I do still think it’s misleading to say that ASMR is strictly a “cure” for mental illness. Although there are ASMR videos out there tailored towards relieving you of anxiety, stress and depression, such as positive affirmation videos, it is unlikely that they alone would keep a mental illness at bay. Like any medical treatment, in order for you to feel the long-term benefits of relaxation, you have to keep watching ASMR videos until you no longer feel that they’re helping you. Having said that, the ASMR community are probably one of the most welcoming and attentive platforms on YouTube towards their viewers so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t give it a go!

How will it benefit me as a student?

I know for fact students are the perfect audience for ASMR due to us feeling stressed and overworked, up to our ears in assessments and struggling to balance work with our social lives. Stressing over work can result in sleepless nights, and not sleeping means you’re even more stressed because you’re too tired to work, and then you start stressing about stressing; it’s a vicious cycle of not getting any work done and feeling guilty about it. 

Don’t underestimate that the life of a student is actually pretty tough. Try listening to a bit of ASMR on your way to a lecture, while you’re working, or just before you go to sleep. It might not be your cup of tea, but if you don’t give it a try, you’ll never know. Plus, it’s completely free so there’s no excuse about being on a tight student budget.

It definitely helped calm my nerves during exam season, and if you’re anything like me, then ASMR videos are a lifesaver if you want to take your mind off studying.

ASMR may seem strange at first, but once you have found the triggers that give you tingles, I truly believe it can overcome a student’s worst enemy: stress, as well as helping students to look after their mental health.

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