The Joy of ASMR Baking

Ever scrolled through your social media feed and been drawn in by a calming video of someone cutting through layers of shimmering sand? Or maybe you get a lovely tingly feeling every time you hear someone gently whispering or humming? While it may seem strange, you’re certainly not alone!\n\nThese hypnotic noises and videos fall into something known as ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) and they’ve become incredibly popular in recent months – especially for those seeking a new way to relax and unwind. The unique form of content occupies its very own space online and includes everything from clips of spaghetti being squeezed slowly out of a pasta maker to short videos of coloured slime being squished through someone’s fingertips. ASMR tends to fall into one of two categories: hypnotic video loops which are purely visual or self-soothing sounds that are a true treat for your ears. Intrigued but a little dubious by ASMR? Well the stats don’t lie. #oddlysatisfying has become its own online sub-section and managed to accumulate over 3 million Instagram hits, with almost all of them linked to ASMR videos.\n\nIf you love nothing more than whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, you might be excited to know that ASMR has also crossed over into the world of baking! In fact, videos tagged with #bakingasmr currently rack up over 15 million views on TikTok, with options showing everything from dreamy decorating techniques to simple yet pleasing step-by-step baking methods. So, if baking brings you joy, you’re bound to love ASMR baking.\n\nKeen to learn more about this mesmerising – and often mouth-watering – meditative media trend? Discover why so many people are hooked on this type of content and how watching baking time-loop videos might actually improve your mood with our guide to ASMR baking.

WHAT IS BAKING ASMR, AND CAN IT REALLY HELP BUDDING BAKERS?

With almost everyone leading increasingly hectic lives, switching off has become super hard for so many people. Thankfully, ASMR is an easy (and highly unique way) of doing just that! And when combined with baking – a therapeutic activity in itself – you’ve got yourself the perfect recipe for relaxation.\n\nWhen it comes to baking, you’ll discover a huge range of both aural and visual ASMR content. Aural could be anything from the sound of a spoon gently mixing batter to the clatter of chocolate chips being poured into a bowl. Visual on the other hand mainly focuses on hypnotic loops such as icing being piped expertly onto a cake.\n\nSo, what does all this mean for budding bakers? Well we all know how soothing baking is. It’s one of the reasons we love it. Add to this the soothing nature of ASMR and the two together are a dream team. Far more than just a social media trend , ASMR is even thought to have some major health benefits, especially when it comes to the brain. ASMR works in a similar way to meditation or mindfulness by helping you clear your mind and aiding you with controlling your breathing. It differs in the fact that ASMR assists the brain with regulating emotions, but without limiting its cognitive function. Basically, ASMR can be a great tool for keeping you focused AND keeping your emotions in check.\n\nThis is all down to the fact that ASMR content can trigger certain parts of the brain which deal with sensations and emotions. Something as simple as someone humming or the sight of chocolate dripping in slow motion can bring about a soothing sensation which often washes over the entire body, not only the mind.\n\nIntrigued by this bizarre yet blissful content? Read on for some super satisfying examples of this enchanting digital trend…\n\n\nLink to TikTok video\n.\n\n\n\n

OUR FAVOURITE SOOTHING STYLES

Whether you get a kick out of listening to satisfying sound snippets or you can’t resist pausing to watch a spellbinding video, here are a few awesome examples of ASMR baking content which are well-worth checking out next time you need a little pick-me-up:

Cake Decorating

A beautifully -decorated cake doesn’t just have to be pleasing to the eye and the taste buds! Why not discover a brand-new technique and simultaneously soothe your mind with some ASMR cake decorating? This kind of ASMR content is typically very visual and plays on the satisfying motions which go into decorating delicious bakes.\n\nFrom watching cupcakes be perfectly piped to immersing yourself in slow motion videos of a dreamy drip  effect being applied to a cake, there are so many options which will not only make you feel hungry, but (hopefully) also give you an overwhelming sensation of calm.\n\nThe proof is in the pudding, too, with #cakedecorating attracting upwards of 3 billion TikTok views and over 15 million hits on Instagram! Some of the best examples of ASMR cake decorating include:

Buttercream

Piping

Image Copy Piping

Drip cakes

Mirror Glaze Cakes

Cookie Decorating

Bake from Scratch

WHAT IS SO SATISFYING ABOUT ASMR BAKING?

There’s no denying that baking is an activity that can bring about real pleasure, both in the creation and the devouring of delicious treats!\n\nAnd when it comes to its impact on the brain, it’s really quite simple. Gentle sounds and repetitive motions are everywhere when we bake, and studies now show that both can have a huge effect on the brain.\n\nAs well as collecting a delightful range of ASMR baking content to help inspire and soothe you, we’ve teamed up with an ASMR expert who’s helped explain in more detail exactly what it is about ASMR baking videos that’s got everyone talking:\n\n“ASMR is soothing and relaxing because it activates the areas of our brains involved in empathy, emotions and affiliation. This neurological response is not dissimilar to when we form social bonds, groom ourselves or take care of others. It reduces our heart rate and stress levels, triggering our relaxation response.\n\nNot everyone experiences ASMR, and for those who do, there are often strong individual preferences. In baking, this could be the crunch of cookies, the dripping of icing or someone perfecting their piping. The triggers, however, are often very similar. There’s a combination of aspects that amplify the effect, from delicate hand movements or a softly spoken baker to the sounds of mixing and the observing of baking preparation.\n\nBaking ASMR is increasing in popularity online and studies are continuing to highlight new potential benefits of using ASMR regularly. As well as generally boosting our mood, ASMR baking is a great way to relieve stress, reduce anxiety and find some peace and serenity away from our usual busy and hectic lives.”\n\n\nLee Chambers MSc MBPsS\n\nEnvironmental Psychologist and Wellbeing Consultant\n\n

OUR EXPERTS TIPS FOR A SOOTHING BAKING EXPERIENCE

THE BOTTOM LINE ABOUT ASMR BAKING

Sometimes, it really is the small things which can make all the difference. And that’s certainly the case with ASMR baking.\n\nSimple, feel-good tasks such as making a loaf of bread from scratch or whipping up a batch of muffins to ice already have the potential to de-stress us thanks to their straightforward methods and tasty results. With the addition of calming noises and hypnotic movements, it’s really no surprise that ASMR baking is taking off. And we’re certainly on board with it.\n\nSo, why not explore the effects of ASMR baking for yourself by searching for the above hashtags on Instagram or TikTok? You could also bring ASMR into your own kitchen with some of our show-stopping baking recipes.\n\nFrom sensational savoury options to sweet treats with entrancing decorating techniques, there’s loads of yummy picks which play perfectly into ASMR baking. So, what are you waiting for?\n\n