Finding a Moment of Calm in Anxious Times

Dealing with the changes wrought by the coronavirus pandemic affecting the world is understandably anxiety-inducing for many. And for some people, watching autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) videos featuring people making a variety of potentially soothing sounds may help reduce that anxiety.

Shenandoah University Professor of Biopharmaceutical Sciences Craig Richard, Ph.D., is one of the world’s ASMR experts and runs the ASMR University site. He recently engaged in an email interview with the online magazine Bustle for the article, “Can ASMR Reduce Coronavirus Anxiety? Here’s What Experts Say.”

Here’s an excerpt:

“Richard of ASMR University says this type of relaxation may be particularly helpful given the high-stress nature of the current coronavirus outbreak: ‘Anyone feeling an extra burden of stress or sleeplessness during this challenging time may benefit from watching ASMR videos, listening to ASMR podcasts, or receiving positive, personal attention directly from a loved one.’ However, as most every ASMRtist has written in their YouTube descriptions, these videos are not a substitute for therapy or other medical treatment. Richard . . . also notes that while ASMR can help manage symptoms of stress, anxiety, or insomnia, ‘ASMR will not cure or prevent any causes of stress.’” 

Craig Richard, Ph.D | Professor of Biopharmaceutical Sciences

Watch Dr. Richard’s TEDx Charlottesville talk

If you’d like to know more about ASMR, take a few minutes to watch Dr. Richard’s TEDx Charlottesville talk, “ASMR: The Whispered Revolution of Relaxation.”