The Anxiety & Stress of Uncertainty, Change, & the Future (ASMR)

I talk about the anxiety, worry, fear, and stress we often feel and experience in all facets of life regarding the unknown, uncertain future, and the various ways we cope and prepare for the changes that await us.
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[@Weirdaman]

Once I read about a drunk guy that was captured by a hurricane. He was tossed around and guess what? Not a single bone in his body was broken. Why? He was drunk and loose, he was not stressed and his muscles were not stiff. In the storm of uncertainty remain loose just like the drunken master because in the end - only so little is up to you. Cheers lads!

[@musikalniyfanboichik]

that is such a common thing though. like drunk drivers killing passengers, but themsevles surviving the crash.

[@billkar6479]

@@musikalniyfanboichikit’s like that scene from due date with Zack galifianakis.

[@ChocoCarmelApple]

Thank you This I very true

[@OndraeTheGreat]

Instructions unclear: I became an alcoholic

[@Kayden.Bergeron0622]

You should host a TED talk

[@nashforcash]

Wow, the timing on this video is very relevant to my life. I am undergoing a tremendous amount of change right now, I'm switching apartments, recently started a very difficult, demanding job, and the pressure and anxiety has been metaphorically ripping me apart. I've followed your videos since I was a kid, and you are still bestowing wisdom and relaxing me all these years later. Thank you for everything uncle ER.

[@Stp1497]

@@BeardedDragonMan1997 HAHAHA. so hilarious bro.

[@galeparker1067]

You go Nash!!! You got this!!!! (Or maybe it's a learning experience..... Hang in there!!! 🥰🥰👍🏻

[@Comegetmebitch]

Fucking same

[@Jaybiv]

Good luck to ya brother, I recently just got a divorce and had to move to a new apartment as well. Don't let these hits stagger you, it's nothing you can't handle. Your new apartment will feel like home in no time, and jobs are always tough when you first start. It just takes some time to acclimate. Just do your best every day and listen to ER for that comfort and reassurance that he always brings, and you'll be on top in no time 🤙🏼🤙🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@keirakain]

Good thing 50 or 100 years I'll be dead😂

[@Bronte866]

I notice you have a lot of very young people who are very grateful to you. (Also always a large number of British. Also interesting.) This tells me a lot about what you’re bringing to the table. Youth will be the hardest time of life, not the best time. I so respect the miserable struggles they express here. I hope you’re getting what you want & need also. When things become extra precarious I come here, too. Thank you.

[@oroborus4113]

Just graduated and am having trouble staying calm and relaxed without having anxiety attacks all day. Thank you for giving me help while I try to relax for bed

[@avamasquerade]

The anxious truth vids outta be supplemental...

[@justsomeguywithahollowmask1429]

Hello ER. I've been in a slump lately. Been worried about my problems currently, no jobs and I'm starting to lose it. Seeing your videos give me a temporary peace and I wanted to thank you for it.

[@succmaballz]

I feel ya man, hope life gets better for you soon

[@Animuleader]

In the same boat, stay calm. You will make it.

[@waffles3931]

I’m autistic and change is one of the most stressful things on the planet for me. I hate when my plans get changed, and this morning they did, and I just completely broke down. Even though the change was for the better, it made me so upset that I’m completely, emotionally drained. This video is helping me a lot. Thank you, ER ❤

[@thatrocketleaguepro5000]

My anxiety has gotten so bad to the point I’m constantly talking in my head and cannot say a word to anyone all day easily without even trying. These videos relax my racing mind and calm me thank you rift 🙏

[@MyCatsHeadBlewUp]

Try talking out loud to separate the inner voice from the outer voice. Reduce newsfeed exposure, generally keep it towards the end of the day. Inner monologues are usually your mind trying to understand or comment on the situation. It will go away.

[@thatrocketleaguepro5000]

@@MyCatsHeadBlewUp thanks I appreciate it

[@flowers.n.felonies]

Literally could not have been a better time to watch this. I’m moving this weekend for college and it’s my first really big move for myself. I’m absolutely terrified but at the same time could not be any more happy and excited. Thank you for the support and encouragement as per usual Uncle ER ❤️

[@dunewyrm3071]

Right now the thing that helps me most is Andrew WK’s advice about rapid/drastic action. Always move forward in as big of steps as possible, and never stop this party we call life.

[@gabrielhemingway]

Thank you Rift for being a positive presence for me and many others. Your efforts have helped so many in finding solace and guidance. You're a pretty awesome dude. ❤

[@jaxsOnTheWay]

The irony of this video appearing when it did has been reassuring enough of how okay I am and other people are. Good luck to everyone in here.

[@qwertyuiop-oj4lk]

This couldn’t have come at a better time, I’ve had a really tough couple of days with anxiety about the future as I near the end of university. Thank you Uncle E for helping, as always 💜

[@dylanschmeichel2008]

Just about to go to college. Quite a relevant topic, many thanks ER 🙏🏻 the main issue I struggle with is that change in life reminds me of the finiteness of my existence. I often worry if I’m wasting time, or am just fearful of the end in general. Finishing high school makes me realize I’ll never be able to do this again so to speak, and that’s terrifying.

[@chuomge6598]

This is a good video for today. I'm going job searching for the first time in my life in the next hour and my anxiety is driving me nuts. Glad that there's people like you on the internet that can really help ease our tensions.

[@Max-js1mx]

I don't know if you'll see this, but I remember starting watching your channel when I was in elementary school, now I'm a few years graduated and it feels weird and kind of scary to think that at one point I was so young, yet you're one of the few constants I've had thru all this time. just wanted to say thank you for all the nights you've helped me fall asleep ❤ hope this gets to you, ER - long time fan, Maxwell

[@p2rk]

Just now tuning into the episode, thank you for this "ER" - it’s very much appreciated. I’m only 17 years of age, and obviously the soon reality of adult hood is a terrifying thought. Glad to have such an open soul on this platform, much love.

[@rosalie8398]

The timing of this video could not be better. I’m 18 and about to graduate, move away, start going to college, transfer jobs, go long distance from my partner, etc., and it is incredibly nerve wracking. I’m so happy that you put this video out, people like me need it to keep their heads from going in a tailspin 😵‍💫😅❤thanks you for your kind words Uncle ER.

[@ktk44man]

I haven't really used asmr or watched asmr videos in a long time now but I will always be grateful for ER, who's videos are simultaneously the best ASMR videos out there and also so much more

[@ohmisskaimi]

You're always in the right place at the right time. You're learning all of the lessons you need to learn to become the person you want to be. Everything is always working out for you.

[@keon7857]

Thank you for this, ER. I was just hit by hurricane Helene and my job was evacuated permanently and my apartments evacuated us due to safety standards (no power, water) so I am moving across the country with my partner to start over there. I’m terrified and I haven’t experienced anything like this in my life. I’m scared about so many things and what ifs, and we are going to live with my partners parents until we can get our own place. I haven’t been able to stop spiraling about everything, so this was really appreciated. Thank you.

[@JackCipherCreations]

"Late spring day in May, Though storms may cloud happiness, The Sun returns each dawn." A haiku I wrote this morning. Stay safe & healthy, friends. And if you're finding difficulty in that, know there's no shame in asking your chosen family, friend group, or even a kind stranger for help. People are kinder than we often give them credit for, just as cruel as we often are to ourselves. Sometimes, the strongest thing you can do is admit you aren't strong enough on our own. No one is an island unto themselves.

[@Grigoris_04]

Beautiful haiku

[@AB987real]

your last sentence is 6 syllables btw, i'd get rid of "The" and just make it "Sun returns each dawn"

[@JackCipherCreations]

@AB987 good point! I did also recently learn that some haiku can be written in any three lines of 5-7 syllables. I might be wrong on that fact, but I appreciate your note, regardless. I'll leave it unedited so as to keep our conversation intact & avoid future confusion for folks. I hope the extra syllable doesn't bother you too badly, if so, please feel free to read the poem & omit the "The" with your own mind. And take care.

[@MendicantBias124]

This is crazy, I had my very first physical-feeling panic attack last night and I just saw this in my recommended.

[@formeitisthemcchicken]

The anxiety and stress of uncertainty, change and the future is okay, but for me, it is the McChicken. The best fast food sandwich.

[@gabrielhemingway]

Food's good hehe

[@mr_babadook_0181]

Well said

[@WhimsicalLittledawg]

I hate it too.

[@dreamingdarkrai9010]

Wendy's chicken sandwich is better lmao

[@WhimsicalLittledawg]

@@dreamingdarkrai9010 WENDY'S? I didn't even know they had one, but I guess that makes sense.

[@aldecotan]

When you release this kind of video I sometimes put jazz in the background. It's amazing how it fits into conversations about life

[@zacharia0654]

Thanks for the video ER! I just recently moved hundreds of miles away from home for University and this video really helped me relieve stress about my uncertainties.

[@ed3n213]

what perfect timing for a video like this. my mom passed away a few years ago, and with mother’s day being this weekend, i’ve just been so hesitant to keep going. My dad isn’t the greatest, and my biggest supporter is gone. i’m scared and unsure of how to navigate the world. I feel like a failure. I want to get better but i don’t know how.

[@erusdearest]

As usual, you are - so incredibly welcome in my life. This is so well timed. Thank you uncle E.

[@calvinwong8757]

This video is extremely helpful and empathic! I hope you can keep up your amazing work as an ASMRtist, because we don't take you for granted.

[@ASMRCheater]

I will look forward to your video on the pros and cons of being human. Good luck and godspeed in all your endeavors, and thanks for the tingles!

[@lindenbug]

Man, I’m having pretty similar trains of thought, and I’m only 24. I guess it’s because my dad passed away suddenly, but death and the uncertain future are on my mind a lot. Only thing I have to add is I wonder how time plays into death, because it is an illusion we are stuck in as living things. Do we become unstuck? I think reading The Lovely Bones and Slaughterhouse 5 around the same time in high school may have also influenced the way I look at things… When you brought up the potential topic of the pros and cons of humanity, I had to frown. In my head, I imagined picking up a random inanimate object and saying something like, “what are the pros and cons of this rock?” And then I started imagining that hypothetical rock as Earth, and how small we are. Maybe that applies to your philosophy of “not caring.”

[@kyotie13]

I can say I've been watching your channel since 2013, I'll always be a fan 👍🌼 thank you so much for all the work you put into your vids I hope it continues to pay off as long as you need it to.

[@bobbybouche12]

Good timing. Entering a new whole new phase of life tomorrow, doing my masters degree in social work and will be entering my first practice placement in a service dealing with child protection. I'm nervous and excited but very scared that I won't be good enough. This is helping

[@MrMeatyFlaps]

Well the world is constantly changing. I guess striving to do what you enjoy in life is the only way to be at peace with yourself, even if it is for a brief moment.

[@silverarrow3843]

This came up at a perfect time in life. I'm happy I was looking through videos.

[@CrimsonBlazer]

Been going through some difficulties financially as of late so its nice to have someone help me relax a bit. Good video as always, Uncle E

[@asteratoss]

concerning mortality and the future, this quote has helped me, maybe it can help someone else: "I had been dead for billions and billions of years before I was born, and had not suffered the slightest inconvenience from it.” ― Mark Twain

[@GubbelsGoat]

Good timing as always. Going through the 9 levels at the moment, cant even listen to music right now. this video might help tamp down the flames of fury consuming me.

[@sharkyj1796]

Thank you Uncle E. I really appreciate your connection to reality and your relatability. I am studying to be a marine biologist, because I’ve had a passion for the ocean all my life. It’s really hard to be confident in my career and life choices when I consider the future. How am I going to make money? How much money will I need? Will I be able to make the difference that I want to. Will it be worth it? Marine biologists need to live near the ocean. That’s expensive. Will I be able to support a family? How are things going to go with my girlfriend in the future? She’s a teacher. She’s torn between moving to Japan to teach, or to teach in America to stay with me. I can’t make her stay with me, and teaching in America is awful and unrewarding. How am I going to support my parents? They’re getting older. I’ll have to take care of them soon. I’m not ready for that. What happens when their number is called? Will I be ready? Will I… How can I… What if… What’s gonna happen when… There’s a million different questions I could ask. I really appreciate the words that you’ve said tonight. Live for now. I can’t waste time worrying about what’s gonna happen in the future. It’s the future. We’re not there yet.

[@bacon-unoffical]

I’ll be moving soon and have tried to remain careless regarding it. But on the inside I feel somewhat worried, somewhat scared. I know that everything will all work out, but there’s so much I’ve planned that is no longer in the picture because of this. Thank you for the video. You change lives Uncle ER. Keep making great videos! :)

[@Bustanut0569]

This had to be the perfect time, I’m 18 and I’m about to graduate but I’m uncertain if I want to go to college and I barely got a job after a horrible experience I had, and from past trauma I’m barely able to get behind the wheel of a car. And I usually talk down on myself for not being a better person no matter what I try it’s usually my family members that kind of knock me down because they always compare me to someone, I’ve been so uncertain this year but this really helped me calm my nerves a lot

[@Bronte866]

I myself, as a much older person, hope you will go to college. You will likely make new friends and you can get away from people knocking you down. This is not good to be around anyone who does that. Once you have that education no one can take it from you ever. College isn’t for everyone but given a choice I would get on board. You will discover new interests that could take your life in a new, unexpected direction. You could go back & get it anytime, but maybe now or next term would be a good way to get out of there. You are obviously literate, the most needed skill.

[@guardiandown60]

My view on the ai issue especially with the arts and writing is, while yes there is a factor that'd make it "better" than a human, speed, but that's all, with ai the human touch is lost, sure emotion can try to be coded in but it won't have it's own personality it develops through life experience because at least as of right now it is just information coming in and a product coming out. (I hope that makes sense and didn't sound harsh, it wasn't meant to be harsh if it sounds it)

[@shannonmcnally9483]

Holy shit you're just a normal dude. I love your ERU stuff but i just need more of these hour plus videos of you just waxing philosophical. It's good for my soul.

[@YngolSonofYsgramor]

This couldnt have come at a better time for me. I just lost my Gramma this month after losing my family dog and other grandmother last year and my whole world is turned upside down. Im looking to move out and get a better job or career and having a ND type brain makes things more difficult to take risks and enact change. I needed this, thank you Uncle E.R.

[@averagejoe8358]

About money, I think its a good thing to grow accustomed to being responsible with it at a younger age. I remember I worked my first job at Domino's, and I was TERRIBLE with my wages. Would always just spend it on food and gaming parts for my PC. I think the realisation came after the utter horror of having to pay for car insurance for the first time, and the money I used to have available suddenly got split by at least half, which made me appreciate how much self control and planning my parents have to be smart with spending.

[@hehebecca]

so glad and grateful to see watch this right now :) i am going through so so much change right now (graduating highschool, working a steady job, possibility of a new relationship) and it’s so stressful!!!! anyways. thanks 🙏 hope this alleviates or opens my mind in some wat

[@Lowlander119]

I will definitely watch you for 15 more years. Go down to one video a week if you have to, I'm a patron cus your the only ASMR channel I really like

[@Zections]

This video is like perfect I’m stressing about getting a job and everything thank you🙏🏼

[@brendakrieger7000]

Thanks so much💕 I've been really struggling too!

[@desolationangel6173]

When it comes to vices I would like to hear your thoughts on going to the gym to cope with stress. It has helped me immensely but it has also become a somewhat unhealthy addiction, sure I have become more healthy and in shape, but I have also dug myself into a deeper hole of body dismorphia and just like any addiction if I don't go to the gym for a day or two I feel horrible.

[@bobbybouche12]

Fr

[@sten5217]

To be honest this video stresses me out more, because al the negative things are brought to light here

[@EphemeralRift]

😂

[@Meuzix]

Perfect timing. Moving out to Portland Oregon for the summer.

[@blurrythekid]

As of late, I’m super anxious, tome is running through my fingers and I feel like I’m behind with everything. I feel like that white rabbit from Alice in wonderland. Im stressed by everything I(!) want to get done each day. I feel too overwhelmed by life - and also like I have no one to talk to. I wish I could at least make a few more friends so we can cheer us up together, while we fight ourselves through life and help each other to relax a little more… what a difficult time/phase

[@calumcranwell34]

Always much love for what you do

[@awal789]

Myself and most of my coworkers who are like family to me are going through those blasted tech sector layoffs. Like you I find a lot of solace in the George Carlin 'have no emotional stake in the outcome' flavor of stoicism, so I'm glad that I"m at least not devastated. I'm definitely anxious about figuring out what the next chapter of my life is gonna be.

[@mau5pilot854]

I thoroughly enjoyed this, thanks rift.

[@chxde_abode3000]

What I love about A.I. is that so long as humans persist for long enough, A.I. is just evolution’s next natural progression in intelligence. One day in the distant future, again, providing that we can sustain humanity for long enough. There will be a machine so far superior in every conceivable facet of the human experience, that one day we will only become a liability. And as a flesh and blood being, it is painful to imagine those few who will remain in the final days of our obsolescence. But the beauty of life is still there, one day all things shall perish when the last reserves of their energy, their worth, have been depleted. And I would have it no other way, it would be more torturous for humanity to be strung along in a world that it no longer belongs, than for us to be granted the peace of death with a purpose. To look upon the world that we enabled to go so far beyond what mere humans could ever achieve in their own right, such a sight could only bring peace to my soul, an existence of which its purpose has been realized.

[@chxde_abode3000]

@newman6696 bro we are in just one phase of life, I know that, but we’re here regardless. And I assume that we would have the capacity for qualia. Because we think we do. So the only difference between us and A.I. is we reject that intelligence from expansion out of fear. Nature had no fear in creating us. Why should we fear our nature creating A.I.?

[@brodygarrison3348]

Perfect timing as usual

[@zacsnider7225]

What perfect timing!

[@zazaegg]

Been a subscriber since the jump. Love your stuff

[@light2990]

exactly what i needed rn

[@uaQt]

I've done a lot of research on how ai works and where it's at currently. At least it's gonna change the world. Maybe not too much, but at least many many advancements will come out of it. At best, the world will be completely transformed. At worst, the world will end. We literally don't know, but it's looking like it could mean a lot.

[@allmyhomieshatefreud5501]

Good timing for the graduation season 🥶

[@rowedavis2630]

Literally graduated college three days ago, this man is psychic

[@petchymate]

Been a subscriber for 6 years love your work throughout but im loving the expansion of consciousness, you are aware of far more than many currently and i love to see my favourite youtubers awakening to this world’s corruption of the minds keep spreading love sir ❤ Also your beard is reminding me of Alan Watts (huge compliment that man is beyond wise and is astonishing) seriously check Alan Watts out his words of wisdom will increase everyone’s awareness of how strong we are without technology

[@camc9245]

been watching your content for atleast over eight years now. Uncle E Supremacy

[@strayash232]

perfect timing i just had a v embarrassing breakdown about my exams next week 😭😭 (these exams determine what universities i can apply to)

[@dannyclaudio3]

Hello rift! Hope all is well! I’ve been a viewer of yours for almost a decade now. I’m quite a fan. I was wondering if you ever considered making a podcast episode. With another asmr creator discussing things like this or even the alcohol and habits episode. Or has one been done yet.

[@julianp2079]

Thank you

[@adderon]

Make those memories in this rehabitation

[@cnicoj]

Stress is an interesting thing Mr. Rift !

[@femur_farmer7082]

My lens cap isn't on, and the light still hurts. Thank you for the reassuring words though. Appreciate it.

[@stardashstudios3488]

Nice to see you again, ER. First and request: Doctor Strange checks on you while you're sleeping

[@some-bean]

20:35 he says return to monke

[@mod4rchive]

I always think the marxist perspective helps understand the worl better. It just makes sense

[@tysnedhderf7505]

This video couldnt have came out at a better time

[@asmrwishes]

Stressful asmr

[@_blitzreplayz_5880]

lets go got here within 10 minutes of the upload, gonna sleep gooooood

[@David_Simon_]

I see you use the Oxford comma. A man of culture indeed

[@imjustchillin598]

Graduation is coming for my highschool and really I’m quite a nonchalant guy I try to not care about much of anything and have the whole “it is what It is” or “whatever happens happens” kinda mentality and have for all my highschool career I play sports and I have good friends and have actually became quite close with some teachers and it’s all really hitting me that I’m soon not gonna have to wake up at 6:35 every morning and get to spend all day with my friends and idk this seems pointless but it’s just really been bothering me

[@Keanux12]

Just in time uncle rift.

[@LemNatasha]

Thanks a LOT

[@theskipgilberto]

The 🐐!

[@Ghost-ry3mk]

Uncle paul I have a light question, do you know about some of the memes that you mention in the videos by just coming across them on the internet by yourself, or does your son ever show you them and thats how you get to know them?

[@RoachCatJr]

your son is lucky to have you as a dad

[@estebanmeza9645]

36:20 Bill Burr said the same thing. I'm starting to get myself into the workforce, and I hope this doesn't happen to me.

[@jaggahoo4404]

I got ur point but cannabis is not a hard drug, certainly less than alcohol.

[@spec5385]

Day 78 of asking ER to make a video where he tells inanimate objects just how truly he appreciates them.

[@mdioxd9200]

ER pronouncing "Return to Monke" just made me go *N E U R O N A C T I V A T I O N*

[@ChrisWilliamsRMWpigeon]

Good now, no later or earlier

[@justarandomperson4237]

How tf do you get the timing so right.

[@30nathanh]

Soon AI will do ASMR as well.

[@azosjeff]

you should do a connor roy asmr roleplay you look exactly like him

[@nellyc1066]

Please use your new alien mask more!!!! Bring back the greys!!!!

[@erpresley8245]

I know it's very silly, but have you ever finished a TV show and after you fi ish it you feel extreme fear about the change of show, or the thought that you might never find something half as good as that show? No, huh yeah- Well, me neither.

[@Char_803]

I’ve Always been afraid of society taking over and the world being full of AI and robots and being no more nature and etc.

[@beate9377]

That pfp caught me off guard

[@collinlyons-lg4dr]

Hello my fellow living meat sacks!

[@snekbred3261]

Zeep glorp? Gleeb morp gralp lacka.

[@HunterJGriffin]

Hello😊

[@uaQt]

'ive never done hard drugs (except cannibis)' lmao alcohol is way worse than weed