14. ASMR & Music

Much has been written about the ASMR (Autonomous sensory meridian responses) of Nature sounds and how these natural sounds can lower stress and improve anxiety and depression.

There’s something particularly soothing about hearing the crash of ocean waves or birds chirping in the morning that provides a sense of calm and stillness. Many of us can resonate with the sense of calm experienced when we sit on a shoreline and listen to the crashing of the ocean waves, or the endless cycle of gentle waves breaking on the shoreline. But why is this and how is it linked to ASMR?

 ASMR signifies the subjective experience of a gentle euphoric feeling characterised by a combination of positive feelings and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin. It is most commonly triggered by specific auditory or visual stimuli, such as deeply calming sounds of nature, even accompanied by gentle music, and less commonly by intentional attention control.

ASMR are linked to pleasurable experiences, like goosebumps, the tingles or deep total relaxation. Whilst a slow shoulder or a scalp massage can trigger ASMR sensations, a great many are audibly linked. Some of the most popular ASMR sounds are varying degrees of rainfall, walking on crunchy snow, waves breaking on a pebble or shingle shoreline, and even gentle early morning birdsong. 

Ultimately ASMR is an individualistic experience and different people get triggered by different things. Even the intensity of the experiences differs from person to person. You will easily find good quality ASMR videos on YouTube, if you include in your search 'ASMR videos'.