According to a new study, gossiping might actually improve your health and quality of life. Yes, you read that right: chatting about your neighbor’s new haircut, your cousin’s latest drama, or why the coffee shop ran out of sugar could be good for you!

Researchers found that engaging in lighthearted, friendly gossip can reduce stress, strengthen social bonds, and even improve mental well-being. So next time someone tells you to “stop gossiping,” feel free to say: “I’m just taking care of my health!”

And if there’s one country that could win a gold medal in gossip-related wellness, it has to be Ethiopia. Because Ethiopians have turned gossip into an art form — especially over coffee. The traditional coffee ceremony is more than just roasting beans and sipping fresh brew. It’s a social ritual, a mini-theater, and basically a gossip gym.

Picture this: friends gather around a steaming jebena (coffee pot), the aroma filling the room. Between sips of thick, strong coffee, someone leans in: “Did you hear about Ato Tesfaye?” Suddenly, everyone is whispering, laughing, and dramatic hand gestures are flying. By the end of the session, hearts are full, stress is gone, and your social network is stronger than ever. Bonus: caffeine is the cherry on top of your newly boosted immunity.

Even better, unlike a gym membership, you don’t need to sweat or lift anything heavy — just your eyebrows, your voice, and your storytelling skills. Ethiopian gossip sessions are basically health retreats disguised as casual coffee hangs. And let’s be honest: the more dramatic the story, the better the cardiovascular workout from laughing.

Moral of the story: gossip responsibly — preferably with coffee in hand.