Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad.  (Proverbs 21:25)

Though they seem like polar opposites, anxiety & depression often go hand-in-hand, and the Bible confirms that.  Did you know that anti-depressants and anti-anxiety medications are some of the most often-prescribed drugs in America?  Did you know that anxiety and depression are the leading causes of drug abuse and subsequent addictions?  Did you know that there are many wonderful natural alternatives for treating both anxiety and depression?

We know that Jesus gives us His peace that passes understanding; and fills our hearts with joy unspeakable!  His Word is a lamp to our feet an a light to our paths.  (Psalm 119:105)  Our bodies were made for movement, and exercise is a natural anti-depressant.  Getting out in the sunshine is also a natural mood-lifter, as it supplies Vitamin D, which combats depression.  There are many things we can do to ease our anxiety as well:  deep breathing exercises, walking, and listening to soft music.

However, there is a new phenomenon out now that many doctors are recommending for calming anxiety, called “ASMR”.  That officially stands for Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response, which http://www.dictionary.com describes as:  “a calming, pleasurable feeling often accompanied by a tingling sensation.  This tingle is said to originate in a person’s head and spread to the spine (and sometimes the limbs) in response to stimulation.  The stimuli that trigger ASMR vary from person to person.  Some of the most common ones include whispers, white noise, having a person’s complete attention (as in having one’s hair cut by a hairdresser), as well as brushing, chewing, tapping, scratching, whispering and crinkling.”

There are a lot of strange and interesting ASMR videos out on YouTube, and many of them have reportedly helped thousands with insomnia.  Yes, I said thousands.  One particular young lady has over two million subscribers to her channel entitled “ASMR Darling”.

I have actually experienced these ASMR sensations before many times, but had no idea there was a name for it.  I certainly had no idea that people were making YouTube video’s to offer the same effect. Soft sounds such as the ticking of a clock, a gentle whisper or touch, or the sound of soft footsteps have been “triggers” for me.  Everyone loves pampering, and when someone brushes or plays with my hair…. well, you get it.  Having dealt with anxiety and insomnia myself, I checked out some of the ASMR videos, and am intrigued.

Admittedly, a few of them seem a bit strange, as I acclimate to watching a video of someone whispering to me.  Many of them mimic touching you (the camera) with gentle touches to the face, or hair.  For some, the sound of hair being brushed just does it for them.  Unfortunately, there are a few that seemed a bit too far out there, and the occasional one was a bit too “sensual” in nature for my taste.

I was thrilled to find some channels categorized as “Christian ASMR”.  Is this a real thing?  Is it safe for a Christian to expose themselves to?  Here we find soft whispering of actual scriptures being read.  Positive, calming affirmations from the Word of God truly does heal, and brings a peace and calm like nothing else.  My wheels began to turn.

I already do the occasional preaching/inspirational video.  I have a group on Facebook dedicated to natural health remedies, and counsel countless individuals struggling with anxiety and depression.  Should I make my own Christian ASMR videos?  Would you watch?

Stay tuned!