Just admit it, everyone has that thing in their life that is oddly satisfying to them. It could be having the volume set on an even number, watching a block of jelly wiggle about or even listening to rain splatter on a tin roof. They satiate our senses, putting us in a state of contentment that nothing else can.

For those who’ve never heard of ASMR before, it stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response and refers to a tingling sensation some people experience due to various triggers. These auditory triggers can range from whispering and tapping, the movement of different textured objects to the sound of mundane tasks like using a spray bottle and eating crunchy food.

If you haven’t found your niche yet, there’s plenty of video categories to explore on YouTube and we’ve compiled a list of five of our favourites for you to delve into.

ASMR Darling

ASMR Darling is one of many ASMR creators on YouTube who upload videos that try to encourage these tingling feelings that many people find extremely relaxing – some of which even help them fall asleep. Different triggers work for different people so these videos can include simpler textured object sounds as well as roleplay videos like getting a haircut or a manicure. It’s best to listen to these videos with some good quality headphones to be truly immersed in the ultimate sensory experience these videos create.

Cosas Geniales

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8rSsI2elhg

Slime has become a hugely popular phenomenon in recent times and it’s no wonder why. Whether you play with it, make it yourself or watch people doing both of these things, this squishy substance is undeniably satisfying. Cosas Geniales, Spanish for “cool things”, is a YouTube channel that posts compilation videos of someone stretching, cutting, squishing and sticking their fingers in slime. Who knew there were so many different textures and types? Although the video alone is worth watching, the sounds the slime produces while it’s being played with are just as satisfying to listen to. So, if you need a guilty pleasure and like to squish things, play along with your own slime at home while watching these videos.

Bob Ross

If you weren’t already aware, everyone’s favourite happy painter and his soothing voice are just a click away. Bob Ross’s television show The Joy of Painting aired between 1983 and 1994 spanning 31 seasons, all of which have been uploaded to an official YouTube channel. Follow along with the 30 minute painting tutorial episodes or just sit back, relax, and let his calming voice wash over you. His encouraging and gentle demeanour has won over a global audience, reminding them that anyone can give painting a go because there aren’t any mistakes, just “happy little accidents”. Don’t forget to watch out for his signature brush cleaning technique too – it’s sure to bring a smile to your face every time you see it.

Sand Tagious

Kinetic sand is a fascinating substance that is incredibly fun to play with regardless of your age. Unlock your inner child by watching Sand Tagious’ kinetic sand creations get flattened, cut in half and squished in numerous ways. Kinetic sand sticks to itself, meaning you can form and mould it into shapes. But when disturbed, it oozes and falls apart. Not only are the videos extremely satisfying to watch, some people also experience ASMR listening to the sand being poked, prodded and played with. Put your mind at ease watching perfect hemispheres get scooped out, small cubes getting flattened and blocks of kinetic sand getting cut into perfect sections with a knife with Sand Tagious’ plethora of compilation videos.

World of Kaleidoscopes

Not exactly ASMR, this youtube channel is still about as soothing as they come. You know those little tubes you had as a kid that would create fascinating reflections of colours and shapes? You can now relive the hypnotising visuals of a kaleidoscope without having to track one down yourself. World of Kaleidoscopes is a YouTube channel dedicated to posting videos of different kaleidoscope patterns with accompanying meditation music to help you relax. The colourful designs shift and evolve making for a mesmerising visual experience while the calming music helps you focus and unwind. It’s perfect for those of us who lean towards more visual material for relaxation rather than aural.

Featured Image: Photographed by Vladimir VK. Image via Shutterstock.