Feeling guilty that you’ve spent so much time watching these cute animal videos? Well, you don’t have to. In fact, you are taking care of your mental health!

A study conducted by the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, in partnership with Western Australia Tourism, has found evidence to suggest that watching cute animals may contribute to a reduction in stress and anxiety. The study examined how watching images and videos of cute animals for 30 minutes affects blood pressure, heart rate and anxiety.

“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,” study co-author Dr. Andrea Utley said.

So don’t beat yourself up the next time you end up in a YouTube hole of cute animal videos :)

Source: Esquire

https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/cute-animals-health-benefits-a00297-20201025