23 Relaxing Animal Memes for Overworked Employees Who Can’t Afford a Massage

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Laurent Shinar • Writer and Editor
Oct 18, 2026 10:45 AM EDT

It is a sad fact of our modern world that in many cases it does not matter how much or how hard you work, you simply cannot afford to indulge in the very things that are designed to make us all feel better and recover from a week of hard work. Whether that be the gentle stretching of a massage, the mental unwinding of some good therapy or even the calm of a meditation session, more and more of us are resorting to other means to find our centre after a week of being blown around like a baby tree in a storm. So we figured at the very least you deserve a relaxing collection of animal memes to help bring you back to yourself before the weekend is out.

After all there is something to be said for the influence of adorable animals doing the things  we would love to do. They call it living vicariously and it represents the way in which we can look at say a monkey letting loose all its tension and stress in a hot spring and feel much of the very same relaxation that the monkey feels in that moment. This phenomenon has been widely studied and even specifically in the world of animal memes so you can bet your bottom dollar that we know what we are talking about when we say that relaxing animal memes can actually reduce your stress and make you feel better and more centered in your life.

In addition I would like to point out the difference between scrolling through sweet animal memes like these and doom scrolling on one of the popular social apps. Unlike those apps this is a highly curated collection of magical memes that we have hand picked with purpose. Each one designed to fulfil the desire of another kind of animal lover looking for something to sooth their soul and lift the weight of the working week from their shoulders. Not to generate clicks and not to drive traffic, but to make each and every one of you dear readers feel even just a little better about the world and yourself. So before you resign yourself to doom scrolling and ruin your entire weekend by not letting your nervous system relax, give yourself a good few minutes to scroll through these soothing and sweet memes. 
 

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  • 01

    The perfect representation of ignoring your problems and setting your sights on the horizon.

    Mentally I'm here
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 02

    Not only is it cheaper to go on a guilt trip it is also far cuddlier.

    Apparently the only vacation I'll be going on is a guilt trip
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 03

    Sometimes you just really gotta dig in deep to the feels to let it all out.

    Me restarting the song because the part that hurts me the most didn't hurt me enough
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 04

    The feeling of starting a day that will not be ruined by your work's Slack.

    When that first sip of coffee touches your soul.
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 05

    When your crush's weakness is they look slightly less cute from one angle so you don't feel so overwhelmed by their good looks.

    "I bet you look so cute without your glasses." Me without glasses:
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 06

    Never underestimate the need to be snacking.

    When you didn't buy any snacks at the store because you told yourself you need to stop snacking but now you feel snackish
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 07

    The songs of one's people are always best sung at home anyway,.

    Introverts in public: "I can't sing" Introverts at home
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 08

    Fear not if you come to the end of your series binge, there is always another show to start.

    When you go to click "next episode" and realize you just finished the series.
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 09

    When your friend has really poor eyesight but you had no idea how bad it was until they took off their glasses.

    WHEN YOUR FRIEND TAKES THEIR GLASSES OFF A
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 10

    Sundays can be sinister as well as sweet, if you are cute enough that is.

    When I say "heheheh” this is what I mean
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 11

    A reminder that it is more worthwhile to match the energy that is before you rather than freakout needlessly.

    Me The spider
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 12

    When your parents end up stealing the relationship you wanted to have with your pet.

    Dad: 'doesn't want a cat' family: 'gets cat anyway' Dad and cat:
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 13

    Never furget what an honor it is to be a feline pawrent. It is the only speices that has the ability to up and leave if they want to.

    When a cat chooses you it's a very special honour.
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 14

    Never underestimate the pawers of your social skills, they will take you far in this world.

    When you dk AF and start being friends with everyone
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 15

    Too much of a good thing eh....

    "Food gives you energy" Me, after eating:
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 16

    Sadly not everyone is well versed in the language of physical love.

    when ur not affectionate and someone tries to hug you
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 17

    Even on the weekend you deserve to dig in and repeat your mantra.

    I is smart. I is handsome. I is capable.
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 18

    Fun can look like lots of different things, not moving from bed is most certinaly one of them.

    "I can't wait to have fun on my day off!!" Me on my day off:
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 19

    When you decided to challenge yourself to not see the sun all weekend by sleeping and suddenly the sunlight becomes your nemesis.

    Me waking up from my 3rd nap of the day to see if the sun is still up
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 20

    Oh the simple joys of the days of yore.

    "A few seconds before happiness", a photo from 1955
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 21

    Eating healthier is a state of mind...

    Me: I have to start eating healthier Me feeling even the slightest amount of stress: IG Ghomyshrimp
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 22

    Never let anyone speak in your name.

    *my mom telling the doctor how i feel* me:
    via introverts.thoughts
  • 23

    Decisions are made to be regretted.

    "try it, it's not that spicy" me:
    via introverts.thoughts

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relaxing overworked-employees massage wholesome animal memes afford
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