Ever wonder why things such as calm voices, scalp massages, and paint mixing are so satisfying? These are all considered ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) triggers. ASMR is basically the tingling sensations we feel which cause a type of euphoria due to very small triggers such as the ones listed above. This is a fairly new idea that has gained extreme popularity in recent years.

It is a rather different sensation but the bodily response to these triggers are hard to describe and I can say this due to personal experience. The triggers can range within the different senses and some of the most common are visual and audible. I tend to watch a lot of these videos myself but gravitate towards watching slime and paint videos. Initially it seemed pretty childish to me when I saw these but something about it was so satisfying and I really could not explain why. When I researched the topic more I realized that I was not the only person who reacted this way to such triggers. There is actually a whole community of people who have the same response, and it has become widely known through platforms such as Instagram and YouTube. People have even made a business out of it by selling the slime they make in videos and I have also bought into this trend.

It is said that these sensations help people deal with anxiety and sleep troubles and this is definitely true-- there is something about the triggers which elicit a response that calms me and gives me a sense of peace. I notice this before I go to sleep and it honestly helps me a lot. It is similar to stress balls, but instead of using a stress ball when I am feeling anxious I watch these videos and it instantly makes me feel more relaxed. If this is the first time you have heard about ASMR and would like to see some cool new ways to de-stress go check out some of the videos (there will be a brief list of ASMR instagrammers on the bottom)—you will not regret it!

ASMR Instagram accounts:

- annettelabedzki

- turdtwig

- satisfyingvideo

- surfslimeco

- instakineticsand