In the past, our outlet to get chills and thrills were through reading books in the genre of romance, mystery, horror, action and adventure but with the revolutionary onset of technology a new rise of chills and thrills can be found that seem to have the opposite effect. At first, it is quite odd when you are introduced to it. Some may say it is irritating and skin crawling. No doubt, after a few videos of this, some are drawn or even addicted to its effects and want more of it. This effect brings about feelings of calmness and relaxation that has been introduced to the younger generation making them skip the spa treatments and create calmness and relaxation wherever they are.
The University of Sheffield (source: Science Daily) has performed studies to see if watching these video will produce feelings of relaxation and in effect decrease heart rate in comparison to other stress- reduction techniques like music or mindfulness. There are more than 13 million ASMR videos on YouTube. ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) the Brain Tingle phenomenon is an experience characterized by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin that starts on the scalp and goes down to the neck and upper spine. It can be compared to “low grade euphoria”, a type of positive feeling. (source: Wikipedia).
These videos appear to have trigger points that intentionally trigger these tingle sensations. It is the whispering into microphones, chewing sounds, brushing of the hair or even giving a personal makeover. This phenomenon has a global internet following that has seem to calm some viewers to the point that they would use it as a technique to fall asleep, to help improve digestion, and weight loss.
These days, life is fast paced, we are all working longer hours and finding time to relax and unwind and just enjoy simple things can be hard. ASMR can be viewed as a way we break down the simple things in life and magnify it to see the beauty within it. When we can appreciate the simple acts of our lifestyle, like chewing, it brings a closeness like hearing yourself breathe and paying more attention to the details that exist in our life. If we pay more attention to the details in our life, it is then we can be grateful for what we have and impact our communities.
Great Ways To Unwind
Whether you are doing all your shopping online or in the retail stores, there is nothing better than slipping into a cozy robe afterwards and giving yourself a little down time to relax and rejuvenate, so you can give the best of yourself to friends and families during the holidays.
