Having just spent a week and a half in the company of fur-nephews and nieces, I can tell you something for certain: We could learn a lot from them about how to have a less-stressful life.

Of course, most of us don't have someone dedicated to cleaning up after us, feeding us or doctoring us when we're sick unless they're our parents (or adult children/caregivers). Still, cats can teach us much.

Get enough sleep. As a nearly lifelong insomniac, this one's hard for me. I also have moderate sleep apnea, so proper sleep hygiene (limiting naps, not working where I sleep, no screens as bedtime nears, etc.) is what I'm supposed to be following. Yet I often find myself in awe of the complete relaxation cats get from sleep, and can't help but notice that I feel better when I take a little nap if I'm suddenly sleepy. It's not fueling 3 a.m. zoomies, but it does reset my brain and help me think more clearly.

Watch what's going on around you. Find a spot where you can just observe, whether that's a park bench, a chair on the front porch, or your office window (but not with binoculars unless you're watching wildlife, because that's just creepy). Take the time to not think about anything but what you're seeing, and just breathe. Let the calm wash through you. You don't........

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