Scandi lifestyle expert at Contura shares guide to ASMR in nature for National Relaxation Day (15 August).
Ahead of National Relaxation Day (15 August) Scandi lifestyle expert at Contura, Catharina Björkman, shares her favourite ways to indulge in ASMR in nature to soothe the soul and disconnect this Relaxation Day and beyond.
Catharina says: “ASMR (autonomous sensory meridian response) refers to the sensation people get when they watch stimulating videos or take part in activities that engage their attention through sound and sight. This can include whispering, fabric sounds, hair brushing or even watching specific hand movements. Whilst it’s grown in popularity thanks to the abundance of YouTube videos, Reels and TikToks, nothing beats nature’s own ASMR.
“In Scandi culture, spending as much time outdoors as possible is the norm. In turn we reap the mental and physical benefits of greater exposure to nature and to the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D, and of more opportunities to be active. But there is also something to be said for simply taking time to be still and soak up the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
“ASMR is known for its calming effects and ability to reduce anxiety levels, lower cortisol levels and engage the brain’s reward pathways, which can offset feelings of stress or tension, often causing a tingling sensation down the back of the head and neck as a result. Combine this with the mood and health-boosting benefits of spending more time outdoors and it’s a win-win.”
Read on for Catharina’s guide to nature’s own ASMR…
- Bird song
What better way to start your day than by rising with nature and enjoying the dawn chorus? We call this gökotta. The dawn chorus is at its peak just before and just after sunrise so set your alarm, grab a cup of tea or coffee, crack open the window or head outdoors to soak up the delightful sounds followed by the visual splendour of the sunrise. - Wave whispers
With summer holiday season upon us, there will be plenty of opportunities to indulge in ASMR. Listening to the soothing sound of waves lapping on the shore is one of the most relaxing ways to spend an afternoon. Simply lay out a towel, prop up a sunshade and enjoy. And if you’re not heading to the beach this summer, head to a local lake or river to enjoy the gentle sounds of the water as it ebbs, flows or gushes past. - Watching murmurations
Come late summer/early autumn, look to the skies and you may be lucky enough to spot murmurations. Starlings tend to migrate from the cooler areas of Northern Europe between November and March, but it’s not uncommon to see them start to gather from September. What could be a more satisfying way to spend some downtime than watching birds swoop and dive in a synchronised acrobatic display. - Rain falling
Let’s face it, it’s not a Great British summer without a spot of rain! Make the most of it by taking time to listen to the sounds of rain falling and watching the splashes as the water hits the ground – a surprisingly soothing way to spend some downtime. And if you’re not keen on the idea of getting wet, you can still enjoy the sight and sound of rain from the comforts of home, simply open a window and enjoy with a steaming mug of tea. - Crackling fire
Temperatures inevitably drop come nightfall, so there’s no better way to while away an evening than by a crackling fire. In Sweden we call this overall feeling of cosiness and contentment, mys. The gentle sounds combined with the warmth of the fire makes for the perfect combination, leaving you feeling calm, wound down and ready for sleep come bedtime.
For more information on Contura, please visit www.contura.eu
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Notes to editors:
- Rooster will coordinate comment, interview and profile opportunities for Contura UK Country Manager, Phil Wood.
- The Contura PR team will also arrange visits to the nearest Contura Design Centre dealerships or the Contura showroom in Doncaster to see the product range.
For further press information, please contact:
Tilly Everard | Elsa Findlay | Julie Aguilera
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About Contura:
Contura is Europe’s leading manufacturer of wood burning stoves, offering an extensive range of classic and contemporary wood burners; from traditional insert stoves suitable for existing fireplaces, to freestanding statement models made with innovative materials such as soapstone.
Starting at £1,295, Contura stoves are premium yet affordable. Award winning, timeless Swedish design means the products complement or enhance any style of home, whilst also offering outstanding performance, maximum efficiency, practicality and ease of use.
Designed and assembled at the factory located in Markaryd, Sweden, and manufactured to the highest standards, Contura stoves are highly energy efficient, offering powerful convection, superior combustion technology and clean burning systems. All Contura stoves are DEFRA Clean Air Act exempt and thus approved for use in Smoke Control Areas.
Contura stoves can be purchased through a network of 165 independent retailers nationwide.
Contura is part of the NIBE group, a Swedish manufacturing company producing world class solutions in sustainable energy across Europe, North America, Asia and Australia.
Contura is a founding member of the Stove Industry Association (SIA) in the UK.
Contura is a proud supporter of Eden Reforestation Projects’ efforts to restore and monitor over 241,150 hectares of land, creating jobs to support local communities and the environment in the long-term. Since 2018, Contura has funded the planting of over 170,000 trees.
For more information, please visit www.contura.eu
