September 20, 2025 - 20:40

AUCKLAND: Most of us have experienced tingling or goosebumps at some point, especially when we feel a strong positive emotion such as awe or excitement. However, a growing number of individuals are turning to Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response (ASMR) as a potential remedy for anxiety. This phenomenon, characterized by soothing sounds and gentle visuals, has garnered significant attention in recent years.
Psychology experts suggest that ASMR can evoke a sense of calm and relaxation, which may help alleviate symptoms of anxiety. The soft whispers, tapping sounds, and tranquil visuals often found in ASMR videos can create a comforting atmosphere, allowing individuals to escape from daily stressors. Some studies indicate that ASMR may trigger the release of endorphins and oxytocin, hormones associated with pleasure and social bonding.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects of ASMR on anxiety, many users report a decrease in their anxiety levels after engaging with ASMR content. This suggests that, for some, ASMR could serve as a valuable tool in managing anxiety and promoting overall well-being.
August 24, 2026 - 11:35
Psychology explains how trauma can trigger the lesser-known ‘fawn response’, making some people act calm aMost people know about fight or flight, but psychology experts point to a lesser-known reaction called fawning. This response makes some individuals try to please or appease a perceived threat...
August 23, 2026 - 22:30
Wellness stacking: why psychologists say it beats willpower for building healthy habitsFor years, the standard advice for building healthy habits was simple: just try harder. But psychologists are now pointing to a different approach called wellness stacking, and they say it works...
August 23, 2026 - 11:00
Why Good People So Often Do Nothing`Always try to do the right thing` is the kind of advice that sounds too obvious to need saying. Of course you should. Who wakes up planning to do the wrong thing? But the gap between our good...
August 22, 2026 - 23:54
Psychology says time genuinely feels faster in your 60s and 70s, and it’s not your imagination — the brain timestamps novelty, and routine years leave fewer markers behind, so whole stretches compress in memoryThe calendar gave you the same 365 days every year. What changed is how many of them your memory filed separately, and in later life, that number tends to drop. Psychologists say this isn`t a trick...