Yes, you read that right. I know that everyone wanders onto YouTube from a Facebook link occasionally, and they find themselves spending WAY too much time watching furry critters do silly things. It happens. After all, who doesn't love a good cat meme or Vine? But it gets better — doing this is believed to put you in a better mood, relieve stress and make you more productive afterward. This is literally the Holy Grail for college students who are overtired, overstressed and procrastinate just as much as I do.

Jessica Gall Myrick, a media professor at Indiana University conducted the research that will brighten any cat lover's day. After surveying an estimated 7,000 people, Professor Myrick concluded that people who watched cat videos tended to be happier and more energetic (read further about her research here). Basically, watching videos of adorable cats doing just about anything has the psychological power to lighten your mood.

By taking a few minutes of your time, you can decrease negative emotions like sadness, anger and even depression. From experience, I think that we can all admit that cat videos often make us laugh out loud until we can’t breathe and our stomach hurts, and at the very least, smile. And yes, in case you were wondering, laughing until your stomach aches is counted as doing your ab workout for the day. Each of these physical reactions elicit an emotional response that betters your mental health. Laughter relieves stress, soothes tension, relieves pain and can even benefit your immune system in the long run (read more about that here).

If you need more convincing, after watching a cat video you are more likely to feel energetic and ready to take on a difficult or large task. Everyone and anyone could probably use some motivation in their lives, whether it is to study for your final exam tomorrow or to start that research paper due in two days that has conveniently slipped your mind.

Need I say more?

So basically, sending a cat video to a friend is the equivalent to sending happiness. The only question left is, what are you waiting for? I think it’s time to go and send some love.

Now, watch this cat video compilation and procrastinate from doing whatever you are supposed to be doing. I promise it's OK. It's just for a few minutes!