Have you just come across a strange video showing people whispering, drawing on a blackboard, scratching various objects with their fingernails and even stroking a microphone with a makeup brush? Before you call your colleagues and have fun with them, check if you are not watching an ASMR video. We explain the how and why of this new trend.
ASMR:what does it mean?
ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response ) is often translated into French as " Autonomous response of the sensory meridian ". This refers to a relaxation technique through the senses, more generally through hearing, sometimes through sight or even through a combination of the two. In response to certain sounds, you will begin to feel more or less intense pleasant sensations in the skull:slight tingling, subtle shivers that gently descend to the lower back. Gradually, you will find yourself in a state of deep relaxation that can go as far as falling asleep.
Is this a new phenomenon?
Well no ! ASMR has been around forever. You may also be among those who discovered it from childhood quite spontaneously, when several conditions were met:in the silence of a classroom when the teacher wrote on the blackboard black, in the doctor's waiting room while other patients were leafing through magazines, at the hairdresser hearing the sound of scissors and hairbrush.
What are the daily benefits?
Relaxation, immediate relief, feeling of well-being, ease of falling asleep, lower heart rate, these are the benefits you can derive from regular practice. Better still, some depressed people see their mood improve temporarily, and patients suffering from chronic pain feel a decrease in these for several hours after a session. Additionally, the benefits can be increased tenfold if you combine ASMR with another relaxation practice such as meditation or self-hypnosis.
Some key figures
The people who answered the questionnaire of a study conducted in 2015* claim to benefit from more or less long-term well-being:98% experience deep relaxation, 82% use it to fall asleep more easily, 70% manage to lower their stress level.
Are you sensitive to ASMR?
Some people are not sensitive to ASMR and among those who are, not all react to the same sensory stimuli. Tapping, murmuring, sound of running water, crumpled paper, etc. It is by trying that we discover our own preferences. Do not hesitate to test several YouTube channels to find out where you are:the ASMR channel Kali is a specialist in whispers, Thildou ASMR offers videos of various frictions, while Baby's Breath ASMR focuses on drawings on paper or chalk on blackboard.
How to practice daily?
Once you've tasted the pleasure of ASMR, you may want to treat yourself to relaxing breaks more regularly. Depending on what you are looking for, you can take these moments of relaxation during your lunch break, on the bus with headphones, or in the evening in your bed to help you fall asleep. In addition to the ever-growing number of YouTube channels specializing in ASMR, several sites now offer quality podcasts:Radioline, Le Podcast de l'ASMR, or Podtail take care of finding you all that is best for you. loosen. The choice is yours!
ASMR has become a real relaxation technique. This practice is accessible to all and at any time of the day. Try an ASMR video now and enjoy a real moment of relaxation!
*Source:Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR):a flow-like mental state
