People are coping with the COVID pandemic in many ways. They’re streaming Netflix shows, playing video games, and making their scalps tingle.
More than five million videos on YouTube induce ASMR. Interest is growing all over the world, including in the United States. In one year alone, searches for ASMR increased by more than 200 percent.
Many people are curious about ASMR. They want a stress reliever for the pandemic, yet they are confused about what they find when they type in, “ASMR COVID.” What is ASMR, and what are the best ways to use it?
Get acquainted with ASMR and you can become more relaxed today. Here is your quick guide.
What Is ASMR?
The autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is a tingling sensation that occurs in the body. It starts in the scalp and radiates down into the back.
Unlike most tingling, ASMR feels pleasant. It feels akin to static on the skin, vibrating but relaxing. Some people compare it to frisson, which is when a person receives chills from listening to great music.
Scientists are still determining the cause of ASMR. There are many triggers that can produce it. No one trigger works for everyone, but there are some common ones that tend to have strong effects.
Whispering is one of the most common triggers. The words themselves have little effect. It is the soft, soothing, and persistent sound that induces ASMR.
Soft scratching and tapping are two other common triggers. This can include scratching the microphone with a brush. Tapping a table or the cover of a book can also create an effect.
There are several distinct sub-genres of ASMR. “Intentional ASMR” is videos made for the purpose of inducing the effect.
“Unintentional ASMR” is videos that happen to produce the effect. Bob Ross’s television series, The Joy of Painting, induces ASMR because of Ross’s soft voice and his tapping paintbrush.
Many creators incorporate roleplay. Since toying with the hair often induces the effect, there are many videos in which creators pretend to be hairstylists.
Many people think that ASMR is a fetish or involves sex. Some video creators do incorporate sexual imagery into their work, but most do not.
ASMR Benefits
The biggest benefit of ASMR is that it is a stress reliever. A 2018 study found that it can slow the heart rate, inducing a sense of calm. Slowing the heart rate can also help people who have heart problems, reducing stress on their cardiovascular system.
The same study examined social skills. Dozens of the study’s participants felt that they were more socially connected to people around them. This may be because many video creators sit close to the camera, creating a sense of intimacy.
ASMR can induce sleep. A 2018 meta-analysis found that ASMR sleep is easier and longer-lasting than other forms.
Some creators have even made educational videos. A few popular videos go over what it is like to be tested for COVID and to receive a vaccine. These videos can educate people and encourage them to get a shot when it is available.
The Best Ways of Using ASMR
You can listen to ASMR over your computer’s speakers. But it may be hard to hear the soft noises in your video, especially if there is noise from outside.
Wear over-the-ear headphones or earbuds. Turn the volume to a moderate level, loud enough that you can hear but soft enough that you don’t damage your hearing. Lean back in a comfortable chair and watch the video.
If you are looking to induce sleep, you can watch a video in your bed. Try to avoid looking at the screen if possible.
Computer screens project a blue light that your brain interprets as sunlight. This can keep you up for longer periods. There are many videos that are sound-only, so you can listen to those.
Try to avoid stopping the video if possible. Continuous soft noise induces the effect more than short bursts.
Don’t eat or drink while watching a video. The sounds of chewing and swallowing can overpower the sounds of the video.
Experiment with different kinds of ASMR and different producers. You may find a less common trigger that works well for you.
You can watch a video with someone else, but most people watch videos on their own. This can increase the feeling of intimacy and connection with the content creator.
Popular ASMR Videos
Beginners can turn to popular channels like Jinx ASMR or Pelagea ASMR. These creators cover the most common triggers like soft tapping and whispering. Beginners can use these videos to determine what triggers work best for them.
From there, you can find roleplay and scripted situations. Popular creators include Made In France ASMR.
If you’re looking for COVID-related videos, you can watch ASMR Darling’s “ASMR Testing You For Corona Virus.” It goes through what a COVID test is like while using very calming triggers and imagery.
You can find nearly every subject covered in an ASMR video. Type in a subject and follow it with “ASMR.”
Best ASMR COVID Content
ASMR may be one of the best ways to respond to COVID. ASMR is a pleasurable tingling sensation that comes in response to certain noises. It can relieve stress and induce sleep.
Listen to a video with a pair of headphones. If you are looking to fall asleep, find content that is sound-only. Here are some COVID related ASMR videos, enjoy!
Get the facts about ASMR. The ASMR is the Internet’s leading resource for ASMR enthusiasts. Read our guide to what ASMR feels like.
