Still being distracted by everyday life (39%), worrying about work they’ve left behind (30%), work they’ll be heading back to post-holiday (29%) and even pet separation anxiety (11%) were revealed as the top barriers to winding down in the early days of a holiday.
And with 69% of Brits saying that the prime reason for taking a break is to rest and relax, Hilton, which has over 7,000 hotels worldwide, has teamed up with psychologist and ASMR expert, Dr Giulia Poerio, to offer a solution.
‘Sounds of the Stay’ is a brand new ASMR track designed to help holidaymakers rest and relax and make the most out of their stay. Hilton researched what sounds transport travellers instantly into holiday mode, with gentle, crashing waves (41%), the hum of an aeroplane pre take-off (24%), the crunch of sand underfoot (24%) and a friendly greeting when arriving at their hotel (21%) coming in at the top of the list.
These sounds inspired the unique ASMR track which also includes other aural cues that people say transport them instantly to their favourite holiday place, such as the splash of that first dive into the pool (20%) and unzipping a suitcase (20%).
ASMR researcher, Dr Giulia Poerio, who advised on the track, commented, “The impact of everyday sounds on our levels of relaxation and wellbeing is something of increasing research interest, especially over the past few years. It makes sense then that sounds we commonly associate with holidays might help bring people closer to those sought after feelings of rest and relaxation even before people arrive at their getaway destinations. . Working with Hilton on this ASMR-inspired track has highlighted the techniques we might use to help mentally transport us in preparation for that well-deserved holiday respite, allowing us to unplug before fully switching off .”
Patricia Page-Champion, senior vice president and global commercial director, Hilton said, “Having spent most of my career in and around hotels, I’ve always loved the look on people’s faces when they walk through the door - the happy feeling of a holiday about to begin. A great stay offers the opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect, and through this track we wanted to help people get that holiday feeling even before their holiday begins.”
The ‘Sounds of the Stay’ ASMR track has been produced at the optimal length, pitch and frequency scientifically proven to help people relax. The steady three-minute track features a wealth of soft, slow, repetitive noises - such as footsteps across crunchy sand and suitcase wheels rolling over marbled hotel floors – sounds which are ideal for helping listeners relax and unwind.
Listen to the track on YouTube here.
