Mindfulness Why Stressed-Out Women Are Finding Solace In ‘Whisper Videos’ Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is an auditory phenomenon that has become big business on YouTube. But how did ‘whisper videos’ become a mindfulness phenomenon? By Natalie Cornish Mindfulness Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) is an auditory phenomenon that has become big business on YouTube. But how did ‘whisper videos’ become a mindfulness phenomenon? By Natalie Cornish Previous article How To Calculate Your Net Worth Next article Run For Office? Australian Women Say ‘Hell, Yes!’ I’ve been trying to write this article for half an hour, but I’m struggling to wake myself from a sleepy, trance-like stupor after watching a woman open a box very, very slowly while whispering into the camera and tapping her fingernails on the table. If that sounds odd, it’s even odder to experience: my neck and ears are tingling and I could easily climb into bed for an impromptu nap. Luckily, there appears to be a simple reason for my brain’s reaction: like approximately 20 percent of the population I’m predispositioned to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response or ASMR. ASMR was coined by US developer Jennifer Allen in 2010 to describe a pleasurable physiological sensation induced by listening to certain sounds. This sensation has been branded a “brain orgasm” by some, but those who experience the phenomenon say the feeling is more relaxing than it is arousing. They compare it to the calming effect of meditation or massage. thelatest Best Of Future Women Wellbeing How to escape the dopamine trap By Dr Anastasia Hronis Self Two ducks and a Chick walk into the wilderness By Odessa Blain Wellbeing How can you be ‘authentic’ at work? By Steph Tisdell Wellbeing Awww, you shouldn’t have. By FW Wellbeing We’ve discovered burnout’s kryptonite By FW Wellbeing How to be proactive without rushing through life By Michelle Brasier Wellbeing Why an HRT shortage is a mental health issue By FW Wellbeing Burn bright, not out By Eden Timbery Your inbox just got smarter If you’re not a member, sign up to our newsletter to get the best of Future Women in your inbox.