Wellbeing and Mental Health
Aquariums offer more than just visual beauty – they provide a calming, therapeutic experience that can significantly enhance mental health and overall wellbeing.
Research has shown that aquariums offer a number of positive benefits, that’s right, watching fish swim helps us to calm down and relax.
So How Does it Work?
According to studies, aquarium therapy helped to reduce an individual’s heart rate by as much as 3% in ten minutes. Watching the fish glide effortlessly through water, observing the soft bubbling of water, plants swaying in the current and the gentle flow of aquatic life all create a meditative atmosphere. This led to the individual feeling calmer and more relaxed, leading experts to believe that aquarium therapy could massively help those who suffer with depression, anxiety and panic disorders.
Watching the comings and goings within an aquarium has proven to lower blood pressure by as much as 4%. Confirming that a fish tank within a GP surgery or dental waiting room could be extremely beneficial at lowering anxiety and stress levels of patients.
Fish Tanks for Mental Health
As highlighted in our Aquarium Therapy: A Natural way To Keep The Stresses At Bay blog article, more children than ever before are experiencing stress, anxiety and depression. According to the Mental Health Foundation, nearly one in 10 children and young people aged 5-16 are affected by a mental health problem. With reduced levels of quality family time being one of the main reasons due to the digital age that we now live in.
An aquarium is a practical and therapeutic way of creating calm and relaxing environments within a school reception, sensory room or classroom as they encourage mindfulness, helping individuals feel more grounded and present. The feeding of the fish also fosters responsibility, routine and a connection with nature. All of which contribute to emotional balance and mental clarity.
Care homes who have leased one of our aquariums have seen significant benefits to their residents, particularly those living with dementia. The gentle movement of fish, the soft sounds of water and the vibrant colours have helped to create a calming, visually engaging environment helping to reduce agitation, anxiety and restlessness.
Studies have shown that regular exposure to aquariums can lead to improved mood, increased attention span, and even better nutritional intake in dementia patients. Watching fish can be both soothing and stimulating – it encourages moments of focus and can spark memories or conversation, especially when part of a familiar routine.
Whether in homes, offices, educational and healthcare settings. Aquariums act as living art, soothing the mind and nourishing the spirit, helping to ease depression and boost mental health.
Learn more about our aquariums for hire, as well as our range of educational aquarium experiences, which includes the hugely popular Aqua Explorer Rock Pool Experience and the Happy Habitats Marine Reef Project for schools.
Healthcare Gallery
Testimonials
