Mindful Monday#70: How I Use ASMR For Fibro

Happy Monday ya’ll! 
 
How many of you have heard of ASMR? The letters stand for “autonomous sensory meridian response. Coined in 2010, ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) is a relaxing, often sedative sensation that begins on the scalp and moves down the body. Also known as "brain massage," it's triggered by placid sights and sounds such as whispers, accents, and crackle.” (reference ASMR videos are the biggest YouTube trend you've never heard of). I actually found ASMR quite by accident while perusing YouTube one evening. I think unless someone else tells you about it, that is how most people find out about it. 
 
There’s a variety of ASMR channels out there. Crinkling paper, opening boxes, brushing lint off clothes, folding towels etc. The list can go on and on. The channels that I enjoy watching the most include makeup and nail polish tutorials. Gentle Whispering is one my go to ASMR artists when I am in the mood to watch a video. Maria is a talented storyteller with a very calming voice. She can whisper in one video, speak softly in another, and pretend she’s Marilyn Monroe (to reproduce Marilyn’s look) in another video. She’s one of the first ASMR pioneers when it started back in 2009 which leads her with lots of experience and lots of different videos to choose from. 
 
ASMR has helped me with my Fibro pain. Granted it does not replace my medications, but it relaxes me. When I am not able to sleep due to a flare, or up late because of spasms, I will look up a video that I’ve watched several times to help lull me to sleep. It’s like putting on a familiar movie, only it’s much shorter. The short clips which help clear my mind for a moment. We all need that time. For me, it’s a great way to destress. I’ve been watching ASMR since 2011. Be cautious before subscribing to just any channel. Make sure you check out their page first. Some ASMR artists misuse the word. The channels that I listen to do not. ASMR is also not for everyone. What works for me, may not work for you. If you’d like to read about the beginnings of ASMR, here is a link: An Oral History of ASMR.
 
What did you think about ASMR? Let me know in the comments down below if you have! I’d love to hear back from you! Please continue to stay safe purple butterflies! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog today! If you’re enjoying my blogs, why not subscribe to my website? My blogs will go straight to your email. It’s free to sign up! Tell your friends! Tell your friends to tell their friends!

Till next time! Be well!
Rachel