So I wanted to take a minute out and mix things up, instead of asking for advice I would like to share something that has helped me a great deal over the last week.
I know that certain "therapies" don't work for everyone and that what worked for somebody today, may not work for them a week from now. I know there is a vast array of people here all dealing with similar and/or very different problems.
I'm not quite sure how I stumbled upon it. About a week ago I was browsing youtube as I usually do late at night when I'm the only one awake. If I had to guess I probably started off with a basic search like "Satisfying Videos" or "Visually satisfying videos". I don't know about everybody else but when I watch a random video, Once it's over I'll check the sidebar to see what, if anything else peaks my interest that I might find enjoyable to watch.
Wikipedia defines ASMR as follows:
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) is an experience characterized by a static-like or tingling sensation on the skin that typically begins on the scalp and moves down the back of the neck and upper spine. It has been compared with auditory-tactile synesthesia
Autonomous sensory meridian response (ASMR) signifies the subjective experience of 'low-grade euphoria' characterized by 'a combination of positive feelings, and a distinct static-like tingling sensation on the skin'. It is most commonly triggered by specific acoustic, visual and digital media stimuli, and less commonly by intentional attentional control.
So essentially. To put it in simpler terms.. ASMR deals with certain visual, audio, and sensory cues that trigger the "satisfaction" and "relaxation" parts of your brain. Which in much simpler terms boils down to extremely satisfying visual, sensory, and audible "activities" for lack of a better term that make you feel good.
I for the most part, am a night owl and stay up all night. I've been like this since I was a kid.. However I am 99.99% of the time extremely tense, stressed out, and full of pent up raw emotion. I stumbled across my first "ASMR" video last week and I have been hooked since. I would recommend giving them a try if you're somebody who struggles with anxiety or who suffers from insomnia or other sleep pattern disruptions.. I have found that for me, even though I still don't sleep and stick to my night owl schedule. If I pull up an ASMR video all the stress and aggravation I've got bottled up inside literally melts off of me to a point where if I would just let myself, I could probably actually fall off to sleep. A lot of people use them to help de-stress and relax to a point of being able to drift off to sleep, I just have grown fond of them and have become hooked on them because they make me feel happy, satisfied, and surprisingly, stress free not only while watching them, but after I've watched one I have that "feeling good" attitude and it feels like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I feel dare I say "happy" even if just for a little while.
If you are interested in giving them a shot, you can find them on youtube free of charge. It'll take some time to explore certain "ASMRtists" and some exploration to see whose content you enjoy the most or which creators make content within ASMR that relate to interests you have whether that be something like anime/cosplay/roleplaying or something as simple as an ASMRtist who focuses on what most probably consider the "true asmr" which is auditory. visual, and sensory aides that trigger the "ohh wow.. that's relaxing.. I really like that" satisfaction part of your brain.
I know everybody will have different opinions. Some will hate it, some may think i'm crazy, some may end up loving it and growing hooked on it like I have.. But if you're looking for something "new" to try to help de-stress at the end of the night or to help lighten the stress load before bed, I highly recommend browsing youtube, exploring, and seeing which artist appeals to you, if any at all. ASMR for the most part s G-Rated and Family Friendly. YouTube has strict policies against "pornographic" material and things of an "adult" nature, So chances are you will be safe if you're just browsing youtube. However if you choose to google it, I advise you do so at your own risk because not only is there the standard intended G-Rated side to it. But also From what I've read an "adult oriented" side to it. So just be cautious and smart and consider this your warning.
If I help just 1 person discover a new "go to" technique to help them calm down and de-stress I'll be happy :)
I used "therapy" in the title because I knew whether I abbreviated it or I spelled it out in its full name, Most probably wouldn't understand exactly what it is if they were unfamiliar. This has in no way been proven to be an actual 'therapy" nor will it help everybody. For all I know, it may not help anybody here, but I'm hoping that it at least helps a few people,
If you are interested in giving it a try, I recommend going to youtube and typing in "ASMR" and just browsing through material until you find somebody who you really like or who caters to interests you have.
Happy hunting and here's to hoping this helps somebody!