So, you know how, as moms, we’re basically the superheroes of multitasking? In between chauffeuring the kids, working, and saving the day (or at least snack time), I’ve stumbled upon a secret weapon in fighting my anxiousness and keeping my sanity: ASMR.
You’ve probably heard of it, but ASMR stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and it’s basically the magical tingling sensation you can get from different sounds. Anything from eating to back-scratching and whispers. It can even be combined with video to heighten the sensations. I love the makeup brushes in the videos and the feathers are pretty cool too! You can almost feel it, I swear.
If you haven’t noticed, ASMR is taking over Youtube and TikTok Live and it’s been a game-changer, not only for me, but for the kids as well, particularly my ADHD daughter. I catch her making videos and trying to find the next tingling sound all the time. Even my husband has been turning breakfast into ASMR videos.
Needless to say, we are all obsessed and I’ll tell you why:
1. Stress Reduction
For kids (and parents) with ADHD, ASMR’s gentle and unique sounds can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, which are often higher in children with ADHD and just about every mom I know. This leads to better emotional regulation and improved behavior for both of us. I listen to it in the car too. It is hard to explain, but it stimulates my mind in a calming way, especially when I’m having one of those days.
2. Enhanced Focus And Concentration
ASMR can act as a focusing tool, helping with concentrating on tasks and schoolwork. The calming nature of ASMR can minimize distractions. I use it to focus on work with my noise-canceling headphones. It keeps my mind from wandering during boring tasks that need to get done with little to no distraction. My daughter uses it when doing homework and reading too!
3. Improved Sleep Quality
For kids (and tired moms), ASMR can help with sleep. Actually, that’s what I’ve found it primarily used for. TikTok, YouTube and Spotify are all places where I find creators who are masters at making you fall asleep. Jazzy loves listening to people eat chips (I know how weird that sounds) and I love listening to backscratching. If I watch the video with it, I’m out like a light.
4. A Wholesome Hobby
In a world of…you know…stuff, it’s refreshing to get into something that is clean, appropriate, and fun to create. Jazzy has asked for a microphone for Christmas and I can confirm that Santa has it on his list. And if you don’t allow your kids to show their faces online, you can upload these straight to a drive for them to listen to or share with friends.
Just try it out. And if you are pregnant, check out this article that talks about a creator who creates ASMR just for you. There is really something for everyone. If you aren’t into the spit painting (it’s weird, even for ASMR standards), then check out the other tingle shows and sounds. My favorite on Spotify is Chels ASMR and her ASMR | The Girl in Class That Scratches Your Back | X Marks the Spot, Stipple, Back Brusting.
