Stress Reduction, Tropical Fish And Aquariums

Author: Dr. Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. Last updated:
This content from MentalHelp.net will be updated by March 31, 2025. Learn more

Stress Reduction, Tropical Fish and Aquariums

Although it is not discussed very much, there are health and emotional benefits that come from having an fish tank or aquarium. This is true whether its a fresh water or salt water tank. Why?

One of the environmental stimuli that people find very soothing is the sound of running water. There is a type of music than includes the sounds of ocean waves, rain storms and running streams that is mesmerizing as well as relaxing.

There is nothing more soothing than going to the beach and both watching the waves roll on shore and listening to the sound of the rolling surf pounding the beach.

Many of us intuitively know the benefits of flowing water. This is why many people go fishing in local streams and lakes. Many people have told me that, more than catching fish, the benefit they get from fishing is standing in a lake, taking in the sounds of nature and taking in the beauty of the lake and surrounding area.

What owning and caring for an aquarium offers is the chance to bring the calming effects of nature right into the home. Once an aquarium is established and decorated with rocks and plants, watching fish swim back is stress and anxiety reducing. The gurgling sound of the bubbles add to the therapeutic effect of looking at the tank. Also relaxing are the colors of both the fish and background inside the tank. Studies show that it can reduce blood pressure and emotional agitation. That is why they are displayed in such diverse places as dentist offices to nursing homes, restaurants and doctor offices.

If there is any stress connected with owning an aquarium it is on the initial set up. The chemistry of the water must be balanced and the temperature regulated. For the beginner there are manuals that provide easy to follow instructions for the establishment and maintenance of a fish tank. With salt water aquariums the process is more complex but there are companies that will come to the house and set up the tank and even maintain it if that is what is wished for. However, many people find maintenance of either type of aquarium very relaxing.

In our hectic daily lives filled with work, family, paying bills it is important for all of us to have ways of relieving the pressure all of this creates. An aquarium provides a way for the entire family to participate in its benefits. Also, along with exercise, meditation and yoga, fish tanks are a wonderful way to further reduce anxiety and stress.

An aquarium need not be large. There are now mini aqariums that sit on the desk top and have the same effect as the large ones. Also, this need not be expensive and, when you think about it, is a good investment in emtional well being.

Your comments and questions are encouraged.

Allan N. Schwartz, PhD

About MentalHealth.com

MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection. The platform offers reliable resources, accessible services, and nurturing communities. Its mission involves educating, supporting, and empowering people in their pursuit of well-being.

Content Disclaimer

The content on this page was originally from MentalHelp.net, a website we acquired and moved to MentalHealth.com in September 2024. This content has not yet been fully updated to meet our content standards and may be incomplete. We are committed to editing, enhancing, and medically reviewing all content by March 31, 2025. Please check back soon, and thank you for visiting MentalHealth.com. Learn more about our content standards here.

Author Dr. Allan Schwartz, Ph.D. Writer

Dr. Allan Schwartz is a medical writer on the MentalHealth.com Editorial Team with over 30 years of clinical experience as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. He writes about various mental health disorders, eating disorders, and issues related to relationships, stress, trauma, and abuse.

Published: Apr 12th 2012, Last edited: Sep 25th 2024