Main image via Best Life + Pinterest + Bored Panda
We don’t know about you but sometimes when we’re really stressed, a cute animal video can help turn our mood around with a snap.
From fluffy doggos and cats to adorable pandas and quokka, cute animal videos melt our hearts, souls and stress away!
Now we’ve got good news for you because a recent study has found that watching cute animals can actually reduce your stress levels by 50%!
via GIPHY
The last five years has seen an increase in stress related illnesses and a decline in positive mental health across a range of populations and cultures.
Led by the University of Leeds alsongside Tourism Western Australia, the study involved 19 participants who were made to look at pictures and videos of and range of cute animals including quokkas for 30 minutes.
If you didn’t know, quokkas have long being proclaimed as the “happiest animal in the world” and it helps that they’re super adorable too!
via GIPHY
Of the 19 participants, 15 were students who were preparing to take an exam 90 minutes after the experiment and four were university staff members who previously stated that they were feeling stressed at work.
The study found that across the whole group, the average blood pressure dropped from 136/88 to 115/71, with one participant’s heart rate falling from 90bpm to 68bpm – a drop of more than 24%.
Anxiety levels dropped by 35% on average with some experiencing a reduction of nearly 50%! You can check out the full study here.
via GIPHY
“It was clear that students were anxious ahead of their exams, with heart rates and blood pressure for most participants mildly elevated before our session took place,” said Dr Andrea Utley, one of the researchers involved in the study. “Indeed, in some individuals, heart rate and blood pressure were even higher, indicating a higher level of stress for those participants.”
“Throughout the course of the session, heart rates and blood pressure fell across all individuals to a level that would be considered healthy and indicative of limited stress or anxiety,” she continued.
“The study results are a fantastic reminder that we benefit massively from exploring and enjoying the natural world,” added Elen Thomas, UK Market Manager for Tourism Western Australia.
via GIPHY
Well, now we’ve got a legit reason to watch cute animal videos all day!
Stress be gone!
What’s your favourite cute animal video? Share it with us and share this study with someone who’s always stressed too!
Info via UNILAD