We all have moments when we wish our brains worked like a television set. You could pause when you needed a break, fast forward when you’re thinking through upsetting scenarios, and rewind when you had a really good dream. It would save us so much anguish. But we might also be quick to abuse the mute button. Anyone who’s ever had a brain, let alone experienced stress and anxiety, knows how loud it can get up there. We cloud ourselves with negative judgments, self-doubt, and worries for the future. If you could just turn down the volume manually, it’d be a miracle.

And stress often appears so stupid when you zoom out. Oh, I’m stressed about sending a work email? My ancestors used to be chased by wild buffalo. My stupid human body hasn’t learned the difference yet. But one of the best remedies we have is memes. They’re here to quell the voices.