Why Is Fishkeeping Good For You?

Would you believe me if I told you that keeping an aquarium in your home or office can improve the quality of your life? You may be surprised to hear how many health benefits there are from keeping fish. Believe it or not, it is actually something that has been well studied and proven to be true. Fishkeeping is actually really good for you. Fish tanks have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety and improve your mood all at the same time. Simply spending a few minutes watching fish lowers your heart rate and blood pressure. This article will talk about all the benefits and rewards of fishkeeping.

Firstly, let's talk about how fishkeeping can reduce stress levels. I am sure that many people who already keep fish will know that staring into a fish tank is very relaxing. Looking into an aquarium and being able to see all of the fish swim around in different directions with a wide array of different shapes and colours can be absolutely mesmerising. There is nothing better than coming in from a hard day at work and getting lost in your underwater world. The presence of nature and the sound of water in your surroundings can have a dramatic effect on stress levels. Did you know that humans naturally have an attraction to water? Our body is made up of it and it is hardwired within our DNA. Don’t be afraid to make your aquarium the centerpiece of the room for this reason!

A study done by the experts from National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth University and the University of Exeter found that staring at swimming fish can lower your blood pressure. This is especially helpful for people who have problems with high blood pressure. The research also proved that staring at the fish not only decreases blood pressure but also helps to decrease a person’s heart rate. Deborah Cracknell, from Plymouth University says "Fish tanks and displays are often associated with attempts at calming patients in doctors’ surgeries and dental waiting rooms." Due to these findings, I am not surprised why. I think every doctor surgery and dentist should have a fish tank in the waiting area! Aquariums are well known to help reduce anxiety and create a calming effect. This would especially come in handy if you were about to have your tooth pulled!

As well as all of the above, fishkeeping as a hobby gives people a sense of responsibility and the task of remaining focused. In order to look after our fish and keep our aquariums looking neat and presentable, we need to look after ourselves. I know from my own personal experiences how much fishkeeping can help someone suffering from autism or mental health problems. It gave me a sense of purpose and aquarium maintenance was always a pleasure and never a chore. Fishkeeping can keep you very busy, especially if you have multiple fish tanks to look after.  Being productive can be a really good thing and some people find it helpful for this reason! It is a truly rewarding hobby to have.

Lastly, let's talk about feng shui. Did you know that a properly placed and cared for aquarium can bring prosperity and good luck into your home? Feng shui is a chinese philosophy of harmony between people and their environment. Fish tanks are supposed to contain all five elements of feng shui. Bringing them all together, these elements symbolise the perfect balance of chi, or energy. According to feng shui principles, adding an aquarium to your home or office is an excellent way to attract auspicious chi into your space, especially for good luck, abundance and prosperity. Interestingly, according to feng shui guidelines, nine is often an auspicious number of fish to have in an aquarium. If feng shui is something of interest to you, I reccomend that you do the proper research that is needed, as feng shui is something that needs to be done properly to create the right effect.

Overall, if you are looking for a hobby to help relieve your stress and anxiety whether in your work place or at home, keeping a fish tank can definitely help. It is backed up by science. To put into perspective, fish are much more easier to care for than a dog or cat. They don't take up much space. They don't create much noise and fish can be very rewarding pets. Don't be afraid to give fishkeeping a try. It is really good for you!