Did you know that an aquarium has the power to change our mood and psychology? The element of water, the colors, the calm movements of the living beings that swim and dwell in it, has significant benefits for our health.

The study

This was the conclusion of a study conducted by Britain's National Marine Aquarium and the Universities of Plymouth and Exeter. More specifically, just observing the fish relaxes the intense anxiety, resulting in an immediate reduction in heart rate and blood pressure.

For the above study, 112 participants were gathered. First, they measured their blood pressure and heart rate. They then studied their behavior as they observed a 550,000 liter aquarium where small fish of various species gradually appeared.

Results

In the results recorded by the experts, they state that even at the beginning when there were no fish in the aquarium, only water, plants and rocks, the observation reduced the pulses of the participants by 3%. With the appearance of fish, the percentage increased to 7%, while at the same time the decrease in blood pressure reached 4%.

Another very remarkable observation is that with the increase in the number of fish, there was an increase in the dwell time of the individuals and an immediate improvement in their mood.

The application

So there is a reason why we find aquariums in common areas.

• Institutions and nursing homes: offer peace and joy to visitors and patients
• Children's hospitals: captivate children's eyes and imagination and speed up their recovery.
• Clinics and hospitals: placed in waiting rooms and reduce the fear of patients.

In fact, in a 2009 study carried out in different health centers, it showed that an aquarium has a very positive effect on people suffering from Alzheimer's disease. In the first two centers, the patients watched an aquarium with fish of different species and colors, and in the third, sea-themed paintings.

In the first group, 17% more food was consumed and, by extension, weight gain. Both groups saw a change in behavior and a reduction in aggression.

In conclusion, the aquatic environment of an aquarium, in addition to the special beauty it offers to our space, is also a kind of physical therapy and assurance of our mental health.

Source: petcity.gr