Want to Be Healthier? Science Says Watch More Cat Videos

Watching cat videos is why the Internet was invented, right? While catching up on Lil Bub’s latest upload may be one of the most popular uses for the web, it’s time to stop feeling guilty about it. You’re not procrastinating — you’re doing yourself a favor. A new study out by Indiana University researcher Jessica Myrick shows that watching cute videos of cats helps boost mood, lowers anxiety and can even increase productivity.

Researchers recorded the viewing patterns and reactions of over 7,000 participants and discovered that after people watched cat videos, “they were more energetic and felt more positive” and had “fewer negative emotions” than before they watched the kitty antics. They also reported fewer negative emotions, such as anxiety, annoyance and sadness, after watching the vids.

It’s not just that cats are hilarious. When you take a break to enjoy a video, you get so much pleasure that it outweighs any guilt you might be feeling for procrastinating. “Even if they are watching cat videos on YouTube to procrastinate or while they should be working, the emotional pay-off may actually help people take on tough tasks afterward,” Myrick told Indiana University. Even people who don’t like cats can still laugh at a hilarious cat “fail” video. Cat owners and people with certain personality traits, such as agreeableness and shyness, were more likely to watch cat videos.

Basically, science just proved what we all already know — watching cat videos definitely makes your day better. But now you can use science as an excuse when your boss busts you. Myrick envisions her research paving the way for cat videos to be used as “a form of low-cost pet therapy.” YouTube stats show that over two million cat videos were posted to YouTube in 2014, achieving close to 26 billion views.

Like chocolate and naps, we just love finding out that our guilty pleasures are actually good for our health and well-being. Now, who needs A cat video break?

The Mediterranean diet is perfect for those seeking fresh, healthy meals, all in the name of feeling better and living longer. Stocking your kitchen with Mediterranean staples is the easiest way to guarantee you always something to grub or snack on – support your goals with these 15 Mediterranean must-haves you can use for the best Mediterranean recipes!

Scroll on for 15 Mediterranean diet ingredients you should always keep in your kitchen to craft delicious dishes.

RF Studio / PEXELS

1. Olive oil

The heart of the Mediterranean diet, olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats that promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Its versatile flavor makes it perfect for cooking, dressing salads, or drizzling over veggies.

Rauf Allahverdiyev / PEXELS

2. Tomatoes

Tomatoes are packed with vitamins C and K, plus lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. Fresh, roasted, or in sauces, they’re a staple ingredient in countless Mediterranean dishes!

Yaroslav Shuraev / PEXELS

3. Spinach

This nutrient-dense leafy green is loaded with iron, calcium, and antioxidants. Spinach is perfect for salads, sautés, or as a nutrient boost in soups and pasta!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

4. Eggplant

Eggplant is high in fiber and low in calories, making it great for digestion and weight management. Its meaty texture makes it a favorite in dishes like ratatouille or baba ghanoush.

Ellie Burgin / PEXELS

5. Zucchini

This versatile squash is rich in vitamins A and C and works well in everything from grilled veggie platters to savory breads. It’s a light, hydrating ingredient that complements hearty Mediterranean flavors.

Anna Shvets / PEXELS

6. Cucumber

Crisp and refreshing, cucumbers are hydrating and rich in vitamin K. They’re a must-have for salads like Greek salad and tzatziki sauce!

Cup Of Couple / PEXELS

7. Bell pepper

Packed with vitamin C and antioxidants, bell peppers add color, crunch, and sweetness to dishes. They’re perfect for roasting, stuffing, or slicing fresh into salads. They're even tasty when eaten by themselves.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

8. Dates

Dates – AKA the tastiest natural "candies" – are natural energy boosters, rich in fiber, potassium, and natural sugars. They’re a sweet addition to desserts or snacks and pair beautifully with nuts and cheese!

Hilal Bülbül / PEXELS

9. Whole wheat bread

A source of complex carbs and fiber, whole wheat bread keeps you full and provides steady energy. It’s perfect for dipping into olive oil and balsamic or serving alongside some hearty Mediterranean soups.

Ruken Kobatan / PEXELS

10. Chickpeas

Rich in plant-based protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, chickpeas are pretty much a Mediterranean diet superstar. Use them in hummus, stews, or salads for a satisfying, healthy boost.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

11. Lentils

Lentils are protein-packed legumes that are also high in iron and fiber. They’re ideal for soups, salads, and as a hearty meat alternative in Mediterranean cooking.

Cats Coming / PEXELS

12. Farro

Rice, who?! This ancient grain is a powerhouse of fiber, protein, and magnesium. Its nutty flavor and chewy texture make it perfect for salads or side dishes!

Kaboompics / PEXELS

13. Garlic

Garlic is a natural anti-inflammatory and immune booster packed with flavor. It’s a foundational ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, enhancing everything from sauces to roasted veggies.

Polina Tankilevitch / PEXELS

14. Olives

Olives are a great source of healthy fats, antioxidants, and vitamin E. They add a salty, tangy punch to salads, tapenades, or as a simple snack! We could eat a whole jar, TBH.

Antoni Shkraba / PEXELS

15. Honey

A natural sweetener rich in antioxidants, honey is widely used in Mediterranean desserts and dressings. Its floral flavor and health benefits make it a pantry essential, plus it goes great with hot teas and coffee!

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Want to know what the best podcasts have in common? They're witty, captivating, and make you feel like you're listening to your best friend pontificate about everything from pop culture to first date horror stories. They may even teach you how to relax your mind or get a grip on reality because we know you tend to imagine worst-case scenarios (we do too!).

Since we love sharing our favorite TV series and books with you, we're getting even more vulnerable to share the podcasts we've been listening to so far in 2025. We just know everyone will be talking about them non-stop which is our goal!

Get to know the best podcasts you should be listening to right now!

Spotify

Yap City — Brit + Co's Podcast

Brit + Co has our very own podcast that features hot takes from hosts Chloe Williams and Kayla Walden! Want to relive hilarious moments from the Oscars or obsess about book-to-film adaptations? Or, maybe you just need to know if someone's as obsessed with Severance as you are. No matter where you fall on the entertainment spectrum, Yap City's got you covered!

We're Your Girls

We're Your Girls

Best friends Tiffani Singleton and Taryn Delanie Smith know that life's messy, so they're talking about it. We're Your Girls listens like a inside conversation that's been made public because, well, they're girls girls! Even when they have different opinions, there's no catty behavior that's reminiscent of something from the Real Housewives franchise. It's just good, unadulterated fun that'll make you hit favorite before you're done listening to the first episode!

Spotify

Call Her Daddy

Alex Cooper isn't here to give listeners more fluff that leaves them confused. Instead, she pushes the envelope and gently slides it back in a way that creates intrigue. For example, did you know you recently interviewed THE Monica Lewinsky to give her a platform to tell her unfiltered story? You may want to tap in if you haven't listened already because Ms. Cooper knows how to put on a show.

Wonderey

Baby, This is Keke Palmer

Tell the truth — you can't stop thinking about Keke Palmer. From her hilarious one-liners to having several creative jobs, there's a reason she won Entertainer of the Year at the NAACP Image Awards. But you know what's on our radar? Her podcast Baby, This is Keke Palmer.

She brings her same energetic and engaging energy to her interviews, creating an environment where guests and listeners alike want to soak up her thoughts.

iHeart

Keep it Positive, Sweetie

Crystal Renee Hayslett isn't afraid to venture outside of acting to have healing conversations on her couch. With her rich and silky voice, she encourages guests to tell their stories without using rage-bait to pull listeners in. Sure, she doesn't mind saying the quiet parts out loud about being single or trusting one's career journey, but it always comes across as level-headed.

Podtail

Magical Overthinkers

We love Amanda Montell at Brit + Co so it makes sense her podcast Magical Overthinkers is on our list! Based on the title of her bestselling novel The Age of Magical Overthinking, you'll find topics about social media habits, doomsday topics, and more!

P.S. Revisit our interview with Amanda Montell for a taste of what to expect from Magical Overthinkers.

iHeart

Giggly Squad

Hannah Berner & Paige DeSorbo's Giggly Squad podcast is a welcome reprieve from all the chaos going on in the world. Whether they're dissecting their horoscopes or talking about relationship woes 👀, these besties are the girls you listen to when you want an escape from burnout.

P.S. Their book How to Giggle: A Guide to Taking Life Less Seriously hits shelves next month!

Spotify

Naked Beauty

The first time we heard Brooke DeVard Ozaydinli's words fill our ears, we immediately subscribed to Naked Beauty before knowing everything she'd talk about. Although she dives into all things beauty, she also includes pivotal conversations about love, motherhood, and career.

Whether she's interviewing Issa Rae or Dita Von Teese, Brooke's got something to say and we think you should be all ears!

I Hate It Here

I Hate It Here

Hebba Youssef created I Hate It Here because she knows work culture can be soul-crushing at time. As the Chief People Officer at Workweek, she's seen more than her fair share of HR horror stories so she knows what you're going through. Also, she knows you've probably been unfairly blamed for things that are actually above your pay grade. So, think of I Hate It Here as an inside look into the world of HR and the people who are just trying to navigate as best as they can.

iHeart

Well...Adjusting

What can't Iady Robin Hopkins do? As an author, actress, and lowkey comedian, she's bringing her familiar energy to Well...Adjusting because she knows some of us are surrounded by proverbial fire. When you're ready to stop pretending "everything's fine," she'll be here to help you lower your cortisol levels so you can get serious about setting much-needed boundaries.

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

It seems like the Sunday scaries came earlier now that TikTok's likely officially banned in the U.S. (goodbye BookTok)? Viral social media or not, every Sunday some of us get that dreaded feeling before the start of a new work week. There's even an entire Instagram account that accurately describes how we feel when the 'I hope this reaches you well' emails start rolling in on Monday.

While I definitely relate, What if I told you there were things you could do to lessen your anxious thoughts so you can have a productive week? They're not going to solve all of your problems, but they'll put those pesky Sunday thoughts in a bowl of Epsom salt so you can finally relax.

Here are some easy things to do on a Sunday to make your week amazing!

MART PRODUCTION

1. Set aside time for prayer or meditation when you wake up

Before you reach for your phone to check the news or your social feeds, take a few seconds to let yourself fully wake up. Once you're feeling more present in your body, say a prayer or find a meditation practice to do for 5-10 minutes. It's a great way to ground yourself while lowering your chance of rushing to get everything done before Monday.

KoolShooters

2. Indulge in a longer morning routine

You don't have to tell us that you probably speed through your morning routine during the work week so give yourself permission to go a little slower on Sunday. You can soak in a lavender or eucalyptus epsom salt bath, or spend time exfoliating your body while in the shower. You can also use the new face mask you've been meaning to apply to your face!

Other things you can do are light a yummy smelling candle and listen to a soothing music playlist that makes you feel calm. It's our favorite way to create an at-home spa experience!

Victoria Harder

3. Begin planning your weekly tasks

This doesn't sound like fun, but having a snapshot of what you need to do during the week helps you stay on a track better than winging it. Something is bound to come up that pushes your tasks back, but you won't feel as rattled when your plans are upheaved.

In your physical or digital planner, block out your potential schedule based on tasks you know are more important than others. This will help you get more things done, making work less stressful.

Ivan Samkov

4. Go grocery shopping so you can meal prep

Meal prepping doesn't have to involve an elaborate plan, especially if you don't like to cook. Think about what you generally like to eat during the week. Let's say you usually drink smoothies in the morning, salads for lunch, and a mediterranean bowl for dinner.

You can create a grocery list that mainly involves produce (i.e. romaine lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, peppers, cucumbers, etc.,) and a lean meat or fish. From there, you can find different salad dressings, toppings, or seasonings that'll help you create several meals based on what's in your cart.

Sarah Chai

5. Tackle your overflowing laundry

You know the pile of clothes and towels you keep walking by, pretending like they're not there? They're going to irritate you during your busy week so start washing them on Sunday. As much as joke about not liking to fold our clothes once they've been washed and dried, it truly feels good not to have more tasks to focus on after a long work day.

Katie Mansfield

6. Plan your OOTDs (even if you WFH)

We're not asking you to become the world's next influencer by suggesting you should plan your OOTDs on Sunday. It's more of a way to help shake off any anxiety or angst during the week. Even wearing a new cozy rib knit set while you work from home can boost your mood, helping you perform much better at work.

And if you want to snap a picture of what you're wearing to share on Instagram, who are we to stop you?

Anastasia Polishchuk

7. Do something just for you

In the spirit of self-care, use Sunday to go for a hike, read a book, host an impromptu dinner party, or wander aimlessly around Target. You can even take a candle-making class or fly a kite! The 'what' doesn't matter as long as it's something that unlocks your inner kid and a ton of endorphins.
Alison Ives, Brit + Co's VP of content and creative says her Sunday usually consists of a "two mile reservoir walk" with her husband and their dog before grabbing a cup of coffee. She also catches up on reading magazines, journaling, and listening to an audiobook!

Cora Pursley

8. Honestly, take a rest day

You could do a ton of planning to make sure you have a productive week or you can use Sunday as 'do-nothing' day. Brit + Co's entertainment editor Chloe Williams says "I use Sunday as a rest day so the most I'll do are the dishes and check if I have extra meetings on Monday."

Polina Kovaleva

9. Go to bed earlier than midnight for once

If being a night owl hasn't made you feel any better come Monday morning, it's time for you to get the kind of rest that makes you feel like you were floating on clouds all night.

Meredith Holser, Brit + Co's affiliate writer says she tries to "resist doomscrolling" aside from focusing on self-care activities we mentioned earlier!

Looking for more advice for tackling the week? Be sure to sign up for our newsletter!

Okay, we already know that Nobody Wants This season 2 is on its way, and that it's going to feature a new love interest for Morgan (bye bye Sasha!), and on March 7, Netflix gave us a brand new piece of info: the series is now filming! And Kirsten Bell and Adam Brody are getting cozy — not that I'm surprised.

Here's what we know about Nobody Wants This season 2 filming.

Kirsten Bell and Adam Brody are back as Joanne and Noah!

Netflix

Nobody Wants This is in production as of March 7, 2025 — and new episodes are set to premiere on Netflix this year! Two seasons in two years? We are so back.

In the first production image from season 2, Joanne and Noah are lying on the couch with Noah's arm wrapped around Joanne. Joanne's wearing a navy and red jacket while Noah's opted for a dark gray hoodie. Cozy!

Nobody Wants This season 2 was renewed in October of 2024. Creating Nobody Wants This will forever be a career highlight for me," creator and executive producer Erin Foster said in a statement. "The incredible cast, crew, producers and executives all made this into the show it is today, and to experience viewers' reactions to this series now that it's out in the world has been more than anything I could have dreamed."

Executive producer and showrunner Bruce Eric Kaplan added that the rom-com TV show "is such a unique and beautiful show and I am already having the best time working on it.”

We've had a blast watching it — and I know viewers are going to enjoy all the new episodes.

Where is Nobody Wants This season 2 filming?

Adam Rose/Netflix

Season 2 is in production in Los Angeles, California, where they filmed season 1.

Check out 11 Romance TV Shows You Can Stream On Netflix Right Now for what to watch this weekend.

If you're a loyal fan of Yellowstone and its gripping mix of drama, family dynamics, and Western grit, then you're probably familiar with the genius behind the show: Taylor Sheridan.

As both a writer and director with a ranching background, he's perfected a unique style that blends heart-pounding action with complex characters.

But while Yellowstone has undoubtedly made its mark on television, Taylor's talents extend beyond the small screen. If you can't get enough of his storytelling, here are six Taylor Sheridan films you need to check out.

Scroll to see which Taylor Sheridan movies you should watch if you love YellowstoneASAP!

Lionsgate

1. Sicario (2015)

Sicario is one of Taylor Sheridand's standout works. This crime thriller features FBI agent Kate Macer, played by Emily Blunt, as she's selected for a top-secret task force to win the war on drugs. She goes to the United States-Mexico border to tackle the cartel, working alongside a team of shadowy operatives.

Much like Yellowstone, Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve, thrives on suspense, intense violence, and morally complex characters.

CBS Films

2. Hell or High Water (2016)

If you're looking for a Sheridan film that most closely mirrors the world of Yellowstone, this movie might be the answer.

Hell or High Water is a neo-Western that follows Toby, a father struggling to save his family's ranch from foreclosure, who teams up with his ex-convict brother to rob banks in a desperate attempt to keep their land.

It blends classic Western themes with modern drama and explores deep family bonds amidst the harsh realities of financial hardship.

Acacia Filmed Entertainment

3. Wind River (2017)

Taylor Sheridan both wrote and directed Wind River, which features Cory Lamber (Jeremy Renner), a wildlife officer, and FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) as they investigate the murder of a young woman on a Native American reservation.

This film marked his directorial debut and showed off his skill in blending suspense with themes of prejudice, Native American struggles, and the violence of the American West.

Lionsgate

4. Sicario: Day Of The Soldado (2018)

In this follow-up to the original Sicario, agents Matt Graver and Alejandro Gillick return to the United States-Mexico border when the cartel starts smuggling terrorists into the U.S. The situation escalates when the agents kidnap the kingpin's daughter as leverage.

This sequel definitely didn't receive the same love as its predecessor, but Sicario: Day Of The Soldado is still a strong Saturday night movie pick for people who love storylines and character types like those in Yellowstone.

New Line Cinema

5. Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Those Who Wish Me Dead follows Connor, a boy who's on the run from two hitmen during a wildfire. He teams up with a female smokejumper, trying to contain the flames as the killers pursue them.

This action-packed thriller has some of the same rural charm that fans love about Yellowstone, but presents a totally different narrative. It's tense, rated R, and stars Finn Little, Angelina Jolie, and Jake Weber, just to name a few.

Paramount+

6. Finestkind (2023)

Last but not least, Finestkind is based on two brothers from opposite sides of the tracks who reunite during adulthood in Boston. As they grapple with personal struggles, they turn to an organized crime syndicate for help and end up in a risky situation.

Given its urban setting and different character types, this movie might not seem anything like Yellowstone. Nonetheless, it shares key themes of family and moral conflict. Oh, and did we mention Jenna Ortega's (Wednesday, You) in it?!

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