Fish Tank Therapy
Discover how a home or office aquarium may help reduce stress, support better sleep, improve focus and productivity, and create a calming environment for children and older adults.
The surprising benefits of a fish aquarium in your home or office
REDUCED LEVELS OF STRESS
- When looking at a thriving home aquarium, it can instantly ease any stress and worries you may have. This is partly why you will find fish aquariums in high-stress environments like offices and hospitals.
- Managing your stress level is very important for your overall health and wellbeing. It is scientifically proven that spending time around your aquarium will help relax and ease your mind off day-to-day issues.
- When looking at a thriving home aquarium, it can instantly ease any stress and worries you may have. This is partly why you will find fish aquariums in high-stress environments like offices and hospitals.
PROVIDES A BETTER SLEEP
- A good night’s sleep is the key to long-term health. Sleep is how your body recharges and repairs itself – it also gives your brain time to consolidate memory and build new connections. For many people, sleep doesn’t come easy. Watching your fish aquarium before bed may help calm your body and your mind enough to fall asleep, saving you from spending half the night tossing and turning. If your fish aquarium is in the room you sleep in, it may also provide some white noise to help you fall asleep.
INCREASES YOUR PRODUCTIVITY, FOCUS & BEHAVIOUR
- Having a fish tank in your workspace can improve your focus and boost creativity, helping you maximize your productivity. The visual stimulation of an active fish aquarium may have therapeutic effects as well, giving your mind something else to focus on for a few minutes while you work through an issue.
CALMING EFFECT FOR CHILDREN & ALZHEIMER’S PATIENTS
- The benefits of having an aquarium have been recognized to aid children with hyperactivity disorders as well as Alzheimer’s patients. In one study conducted at Purdue University, the presence of a fish tank at home improved mood, alertness, and appetite in Alzheimer’s patients while reducing aggressive behavior. Children who struggle with behavioral issues may find a fish tank calming. It may improve concentration and sleep, two things that may in turn boost performance at school.
Fish Tank Therapy FAQs
1. Can a fish aquarium help reduce stress?
Yes, watching fish swim can create a calming effect and may help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
2. Can an aquarium help you sleep better?
Watching an aquarium before bed may help you relax and create a calmer environment that supports better sleep.
3. Can a fish tank improve focus at work?
A short break to watch an aquarium can give your mind a chance to reset, which may help improve focus and productivity.
4. Are aquariums helpful for children?
A fish tank can create a calm visual environment and may help some children settle down and improve their concentration.
5. Can aquariums benefit older adults?
Research has explored the effects of aquariums on older adults, including people with dementia, with some studies reporting improvements in mood, appetite, and behaviour.
6. Is fish tank therapy a medical treatment?
No. Fish tank therapy isn’t a replacement for professional medical care, but an aquarium can be a relaxing addition to a home, office, or care environment.