By Matt Mueller Culture Editor Published Apr 23, 2024 at 8:46 AM

These can be stressful, overwhelming times, and we want to help – so to start your day with a smile, we're going to post five funny viral videos and memes every morning. Because there's no better time for a good laugh than during bad times, and we believe in starting the day on the right foot even when things feel like they're all going wrong.

Enjoy – then be safe, be smart and be healthy. We're in this together.

1. Some nice casual reading

I know what those parents are getting for Christmas this year: a copy of "When Our Parents Fail Us." (And also therapy for everyone.)

2. Bark softly and carry a big stick

Why do I feel like this dog has a future in pole vaulting? Oh my gosh ... I have an idea for a new "Air Bud" movie. You don't even have to change the name.

3. Going up

Mr. Fix It here did his best impression of Wreck-It Ralph instead. 

It's just nice to know that the horror trope of someone getting stuck in an elevator's doors and getting killed is actually A Thing! Thanks, random piece of sheet metal!

4. When couches attack

Ah, so THAT'S how the remote and coins get stolen between the cushions!

5. The daily dog

Today's pupper has had enough of asking politely for a treat. 

Bonus breather

To help you cope with the rest of your day, here's a little bonus breathing exercise to calm the nerves and provide a little digital therapy.

Matt Mueller Culture Editor

As much as it is a gigantic cliché to say that one has always had a passion for film, Matt Mueller has always had a passion for film. Whether it was bringing in the latest movie reviews for his first grade show-and-tell or writing film reviews for the St. Norbert College Times as a high school student, Matt is way too obsessed with movies for his own good.

When he's not writing about the latest blockbuster or talking much too glowingly about "Piranha 3D," Matt can probably be found watching literally any sport (minus cricket) or working at - get this - a local movie theater. Or watching a movie. Yeah, he's probably watching a movie.