Discovering I'm a Tinglehead: ASMR and me.

If you're like me and you struggle to relax at night, or you feel anxious at times, this post might help you. I can't say for certain but I know that it's something that has helped me in recent times.

I often feel like I don't accomplish enough in the day, and I feel almost like a sense of guilt in that, then my mind races and plans things. It's like I struggle to let the day go and worry about what the following day may bring. I often need a kind of distraction, and when I was single and living alone I would often fall asleep listening to music.  

I recently discovered ASMR, or rather I found out the name for what I felt, recently from a friend on Facebook. She shared a video and out of sheer curiosity I watched it and found it really helped me to relax and even fall asleep. Looking into more videos I became pretty hooked. I found some that I didn't enjoy and some that I watched again and again.

What is ASMR? 

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response. According to Wikipedia: "It signifies the subjective experience of 'low-grade euphoria' characterised by 'a combination of positive feelings, relaxation, and a distinct static-like tingling on the skin' (wiki)"

What is ASMR? by GentleWhispering

Knowing now what I do I think my first proper "tinglehead" moment was watching a hair treatment video when I was researching the brand I use. At the time my hair was in a right state and was having regular treatments to help repair it . I could imagine how it felt having hands gently massaging my scalp, the gentle warm water running over my hair, and for some reason watching the video helped me recall those feelings and I found it immensely relaxing.  

I've been exploring ASMR videos on YouTube, finding my 'triggers', finding out there are some things I don't like. I've realised how much I tap my nails on things when I pick them up, how much attention I paid on the way other people handle things with their hands, realising how much I truly benefit from gentle stroking on my back to help me sleep. 

Discovering these videos, this community, in such a short time has been so helpful in getting me to relax. It's an opportunity to remove myself from everything for a little while as it often requires me to watch and listen, as some triggers are visual as well as aural.

These are a couple of my current favourites. I find Ally's voice so lovely and soothing.

Whipped Sleepytime Rub DIY ASMR by ASMRrequests

The Herb Shoppe Binaural ASMR role play by ASMRrequests

ASMR videos really can be anything. Some are role play, as demonstrated above, some are literally just someone sitting and making sounds. The possibilities are endless and it's interesting discovering what your 'triggers' are. 

Life can be really hectic and shit sometimes and I think anything that helps you relax and feel good is worthwhile, no matter how bizarre or silly it might initially seem. I guess, for me, it's been a really effective form of self care, and knowing that there are people out there who feel the same way, kinda makes it really nice too. 

Do you experience ASMR? What are your 'triggers'?