For the majority of people, they may think that the main benefit to keeping a fish tank is that it’ll make a good decoration. However, there are many health and emotional benefits to keeping a running aquarium.
In this article, we’re going to look into those benefits, then decide if an aquarium is for you!
How Do Fish Tanks Reduce Stress
So how exactly do fish tanks eliminate stress? Well, the answer lies in stimuli.
Our brains take in alot of information to process every day. Your brain then has to respond to this information. In stressful situations, your brain might release chemicals like adrenaline to activate your fight or flight response to respond to the stimuli.
For example, imagine yourself in a busy situation in the office. Phones are ringing and people are rushing left and right. In this situation, your brain identifies that the environment is chaotic and then sends chemical responses to your body to “hype yourself up”, or prepare yourself to handle some stress.
On the other hand, imagine yourself enjoying an afternoon at the river. In this situation, your brain identifies that the environment is calm, thus releasing chemicals like dopamine to make you feel calmer and happier.
One of the best calming stimuli to take in is the sight and sound of fresh running water. In fact, many of us subconsciously know this benefit. Heck, that’s one reason why fishing in the river or lake is so enjoyable to some people.
Many of my old fishing buddies used to tell me that the best part besides catching the fish is enjoying the sight of the water current.
And THAT is the reason why fish tanks reduce stress. They help your brain interpret a situation as relaxing and calm.
Benefits To Owning a Fish Tank
Now that we’ve seen how fish tanks help you relax, let’s take a look at some of the benefits you’ll notice when keeping one.
You’ll Feel Calmer
The first thing you’ll notice when keeping fish is that you will feel a bit calmer and more “mellow”. You’ll experience the feeling and sense of being in nature while enjoying the perks of your home.
Plus, taking in the sight of beautiful fish swimming through a fish tank setup will make you feel more “Down To Earth”. All around, you’ll feel more at peace with yourself and ready to tackle your day.
Feeling stressed is one of the largest reasons why someone feels down. Although fish tanks wont remove all the stress in your life, they’ll definitely take a chunk of it out.
With that in mind, you’ll notice that you look on the bright side more often than not, and you’ll feel happier.
When taking in the sight of fish, you may feel more optimistic about things and think positively.
All around, you’ll notice an uplift in mood that’ll reflect on how you display yourself.
Another HUGE Benefit to owning a fish tank is that you’ll feel more focused or zoned in on whatever you’re doing.
Especially for thinking or creative work like writing and drawing, focusing on your work is extremely important. Fish tanks will add a small spark to get the ball rolling.
Basically, you’ll feel more into what you’re doing.
You’ll Feel More Productive
Another thing you’ll notice is that you will feel productive when caring for your aquarium. Whether you’re cleaning the tank or feeding the fish, you’ll have that sense that you accomplished something.
You’ll Have Fun
Finally, the best benefit of fishkeeping is that it’s fun! Whether you’re doing the tank’s chores like cleaning the filter or something more exciting like adding a new fish into the tank, you’ll have fun.
Heck, you’re growing an entire community of aquatic life in your home, ISN’T THAT EXCITING?
Every tank is unique, and yours is no exception to that!
Should I Start An Aquarium
The simple answer: YES!
Keeping fish is an amazing hobby with many benefits. There’s more reasons to start one than to not start one!
Summary
Fishkeeping is a fun, relaxing, and stress reducing hobby you should try.
Creating something unique is always fun and fish tanks are no exception to this rule.
From feeling more relaxed to hyper focused and productive, fishkeeping has many benefits you NEED to utilize!
Want to set up a fish tank of your own? Check out this guide on how to set up a fish tank for beginners.
Meet The Author
Hi there, my name is Gunnar Kennedy! I’m a fishkeeping enthusiast and owner of Smartfishkepeer. I love sharing new ideas and helping others care for their aquatic friends! I Hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new!
