Aquarium Therapy – How Fish Could Improve Your Mental Health
Large aquariums are hugely popular tourist attractions all over the world. They are popular with everyone from toddlers getting their first taste of life in the oceans, watching the colors and shapes with wonder, to older people who love to learn more about the environment under the water and the exotic species they can look at first hand. A trip to the aquarium has something for everyone and it’s easy to see why so many of us try to recreate the effects and sense of joy by investing in a home aquarium. But did you know that there are many mental health benefits to having a fish tank at home? Here’s a look at some of them.
Having an Aquarium Can Lower Your Heart Rate
Research shows that looking at an aquarium for just 10 minutes can lower your heart rate by as much as 3%, after an hour this can rise to 10% in some people.
While a fish tank at home will never be as immersive as being surrounded by water, color, and sea life like you are at a large aquarium, it does have the advantage of being available to you whenever you are home, instead of just when you take a trip and pay a large entrance fee.
Lower Blood Pressure
Your heart rate is often linked to your blood pressure. People with a higher resting heart rate tend to have lower fitness levels and higher blood pressure. If your aquarium lowers your heart rate, it could also lower your blood pressure and boost your cardiovascular fitness. This can decrease your chances of developing heart disease or having a stroke, as well as help you to feel happier and calmer.
Fish Can Relieve Stress and Tension
Stress is incredibly common in the modern world, and most of us can feel the tension that we carry in our bodies, weighing us down or pulling on our shoulders. Watching fish swim is very relaxing, as is the sound of water, and the colors in the tank. Spending 10 minutes a day sitting in a chair simply relaxing and watching your fish can decrease stress and tension and improve your mood. This could also help you to sleep, which is a fantastic mood boost.
Having Something to Look After Provides Focus
Fish are easy to look after, but you still have to clean the tank, feed them, maintain the tank and pump, do checks on the water, and provide other fish care. Taking care of your fish can help you to get into a routine and give you some focus. This can be especially beneficial if you are struggling with depression or another mental health concern.
Pets Prevent Loneliness
Loneliness is unfortunately common, and a key cause of mental health problems, especially as we get older. Pets, including fish, can prevent loneliness and help us to feel as though we have to support, something to love, and we are part of a group. This can be great for your mental health.
Installing an aquarium and purchasing some fish can be a great way to improve your mental health and wellness, and help you to live a happy and peaceful life.