Soph White-

Hello hello! I know it has been a while since all you fans have read an article from me, but that is because I have been focusing on my social and mental well-being. Luckily, I have had enough time open up within the next few weeks for me to write for the Weekly again. That is why I think it would be beneficial to share some insights about something I have found helpful over the last year and a half. I have been experimenting recently to help cope with seasonal depression and overall stress, and something I have discovered is ASMR.

ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which is meant to describe a tingling, fuzzy sensation that occurs from specific sources of stimulation. For some people, this might be when a person is whispering in your ear, being touched gently on the back, or when you are getting a haircut. Many things can lead to the sensation of tingling, but what is most important is how it affects the body. The body’s response to tingling from ASMR might run from the top of your head to the tips of your toes and create a strong relaxing, calming feeling. It tricks the brain to release happy hormones as if you were being given a really good hug from family or a friend.

I know many people are starting to experience slights of seasonal depression, so for those who experience bad seasonal depression here, I think you should consider ASMR as a potential coping mechanism. But, firstly, I want to address certain connotations of what popular opinion thinks of when they hear ASMR. They either think of those people who do ASMR mukbangs and eat live octopus or, alternatively, people think of guys who put on their deep voice and say, “Hey baby girl. It’s time for bed.” The kind of ASMR I am talking about is not that kind of ASMR. Usually, the ASMR I watch consists of different roleplaying such as a friend playing with your hair, a doctor giving you a check-up, or a friend doing your makeup for a date; things that tend to create tingles or a relaxed sensation in real life. I am a person who never relaxes. Ever. It is such a difficult thing for my body to achieve, especially during bouts of seasonal depression. That is why I appreciate ASMR so much.

Somehow, these feelings can be translated over the internet. It is through a screen, but it creates the same calming feeling as if you were there in person. You can feel the results of a friend combing your hair or getting a pampered spa day via your screen. Being a really anxious person, this has made it easier for me to rest throughout the day and sleep when I am supposed to. I have had fewer nights staying up and overthinking everything. In fact, I’m not thinking about anything. I am being swayed to sleep by a soft voice that tells me everything’s okay – or going to be okay. Some specific ASMR artists that I would recommend are: @Chillbasmr, @ecuador.live, @restfulrambles, and @whispering.willow.asmr.

That is why I think it is definitely something that students should try if they are dealing with a lot of stress and sadness when the sky becomes gray during this time of year. Alternatively, it might be something to try if you are looking for a new form of media to enjoy during Thanksgiving Break. Don’t be shy, give it a try!