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Whisper Away Your Holiday Stress

The Soothing World of ASMR

Author

Cara Gray
December 11, 2024

Dear Friends,

One of the 12 key areas of a successful third act that we discuss in my work with clients is a plan for your mental health. And this time of year can be especially challenging for our stress levels and overall well-being.

This week, we’re exploring a fascinating trend that’s capturing the attention of stress-management seekers worldwide: ASMR. Let’s dive into this sensory phenomenon and discover how it might just be the secret ingredient to your holiday zen. 🎅🏽

What is ASMR?

ASMR, or Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, is a pleasurable tingling sensation that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. This response is triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, often referred to as “triggers.”

Common ASMR triggers include:

• Soft whispering 👂🏽 or speaking 🗣️
• Gentle tapping 💅🏻 or scratching sounds
• Personal attention scenarios (like simulated haircuts 💇‍♀️)
• Slow, deliberate movements 🧘‍♀️
• Crisp sounds (like crinkling paper 📄 or brushing 🖌️)

The Benefits of ASMR

Research into ASMR is still emerging, but enthusiasts and some studies report several potential benefits:

1. Stress Reduction: Many people find ASMR helps them relax and unwind.
2. Improved Sleep: The calming effects can aid in falling asleep more easily.
3. Mood Enhancement: ASMR may trigger the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and dopamine.
4. Pain Relief: Some users report a decrease in chronic pain symptoms.
5. Increased Focus: The relaxation induced by ASMR might improve concentration.

ASMR Content: Your Personal Oasis

In our digital age, accessing ASMR content is easier than ever. YouTube hosts thousands of ASMR videos, featuring everything from whispered storytelling to the sounds of nature. Podcasts and apps dedicated to ASMR are also on the rise, offering on-the-go relaxation.

The Rise of ASMR Spas

Taking the online experience into the real world, ASMR spas are popping up in cities across the globe. These havens offer in-person ASMR experiences, combining traditional spa treatments with ASMR triggers. Imagine a massage accompanied by gentle whispers or a facial with the soothing sounds of brushes and sprays.

Here are a few locations where you can find ASMR-inspired spa experiences:

1. Whisperlodge, New York City:
While not a traditional spa, Whisperlodge offers immersive ASMR experiences in NYC. They provide one-on-one sessions and group “shows” that incorporate various ASMR triggers.
2. Spa Lé La, Los Angeles:
This spa offers a “Whisper Massage” that incorporates ASMR techniques, combining traditional massage with gentle whispering and personal attention.
3. Chillhouse, New York City:
While not exclusively ASMR-focused, this modern spa incorporates some ASMR elements in their treatments and overall ambiance.
4. ASMR Spa, Chicago:
This specialized spa offers various ASMR-inspired treatments, including massages and facials that incorporate ASMR triggers.
5. Modrn Sanctuary, New York City:
This wellness center offers ASMR meditation sessions alongside their more traditional spa services.

💡 It’s worth noting that while dedicated ASMR spas are still relatively rare, many traditional spas are beginning to incorporate ASMR elements into their treatments. As the trend grows, we can expect to see more ASMR-focused spa experiences popping up across the country. For those not near these locations, many spas now offer “quiet rooms” or sensory experiences that, while not explicitly labeled as ASMR, can provide similar relaxation benefits. It’s always a good idea to call ahead and inquire about ASMR-inspired treatments at local spas, as more are likely to adopt these techniques over time.

ASMR Content Specifically for Holiday Stress

The holiday season has inspired many ASMR content creators to produce videos specifically tailored for festive stress relief. Here are some popular types of holiday-themed ASMR videos you can find:

1. Christmas Gift Wrapping ASMR: These videos feature the soft sounds of paper crinkling, tape tearing, and scissors cutting as the creator wraps presents.
2. Holiday Ambience ASMR: Creators simulate cozy holiday environments with sounds like crackling fireplaces, gentle snowfall, or distant caroling.
3. Christmas Cookie Decorating ASMR: The gentle tapping of icing bags and soft scraping of spatulas can be incredibly soothing.
4. Holiday Shopping Role-play ASMR: These videos often include personal attention triggers as the creator acts as a shop assistant helping you find the perfect gifts.
5. Festive Candle and Light Triggers: Many videos focus on the soft flickering of holiday lights or the gentle sounds of lighting seasonal candles.
6. Christmas Story Reading ASMR: Soft-spoken or whispered readings of classic holiday tales can be both nostalgic and relaxing.
7. Holiday Meal Prep ASMR: The sounds of chopping vegetables or stirring pots for traditional holiday meals can be unexpectedly calming.
8. Ornament Arranging ASMR: The delicate tinkling of ornaments and soft rustling of tinsel as decorations are arranged can trigger ASMR for many.

As always, I like to give you more resources to explore this topic. I saw this segment on CBS Sunday Morning last weekend which inspired this newsletter.

✨ Remember, the effectiveness of ASMR triggers can vary from person to person, so it may take some exploration to find the ASMR content that works best for you. Many popular ASMR channels on platforms like YouTube and TikTok offer holiday-specific playlists during this time of year, making it easy to find a variety of festive relaxation options.

Stay tuned for weekly content about travel, health, relationships, identity, spirituality, doing good and starting a new venture as it relates to your third act/the next chapter in your life ✨

Please subscribe and forward this newsletter to others who are thinking about planning their third act. Thanks for your support 🙏.

Warm regards,

Cara Gray
Third Act Consultant, CPRC, CEPA™️

P.S. If you want to start planning your third act, set up a time on my calendar for a chat: Schedule a Chat with Cara

P.S.S. If you are curious about my consulting work, there are two options to work with me: deep-dive, transformative 1:1 consulting or a 90-minute intensive, quickstart session. Details about both options can be found here.