We have constantly heard about the physical and mental health benefits of having a pet like dogs or cats. But many people cannot enjoy these benefits since they suffer allergies to dogs or cats or perhaps they do not have the space, or the time to take care of them.

It is for this reason that many people choose to have another of the most popular pets: fish. But will having a fish or an aquarium at home or in your office give you the benefits to your health like other pets? The simple answer is yes, and we will explain why having an aquatic companion can benefit you as much as another pet.

Water is life

In the first instance, human beings are naturally attracted to water. Since the beginning of civilization, they have settled near bodies of water to survive. Even in many religions it is considered as a sacred element. There is the saying “water is life” and being in contact with it, even in small ways, helps us improve our quality of life.

It is good for mental health

There is so much the healing power of water and marine life that it can help not only be a good distraction to the hectic life we ​​lead, but it can affect our own mood, help relax and de-stress us. What is more hypnotic than seeing beautiful colorful tropical fish swimming calmly in the aquarium or fish tank? This helps our mind to focus on the beautiful scenery in front of us instead of our problems.

What an aquarium helps with

It can help from reducing insomnia, relieving stress or anxiety, to helping ease the pain of babies suffering from colic or separation anxiety. Below we explain in more detail how these benefits are reflected in the physical health of people who have pets as pets.

Reduce high blood pressure: There are several studies that prove that looking at an aquarium helps to decrease people’s heart rate, muscle tension and high blood pressure by up to 12%. Even if the aquarium has no fish and there are only rocks and plants, the blood pressure drops by 7%.

It helps improve short-term memory in Alzheimer’s patients. Through several studies, it has been possible to notice an improvement in short-term memory in patients with Alzheimmer. Also in general with older adults, it was noted that being exposed to an aquarium helps them consume more food, need less food supplements and reduce aggressive behaviors.

They enhance children’s creativity. Not only are they effective against diseases, but they also help children learn and improve in topics such as responsibility, creativity, biology and chemistry. And just like older adults, it also helps children lessen their anxiety and calm them down.

These are just some of the benefits that we can find when deciding to have an aquarium in our home or office. Although you cannot interact with them as with other pets, they can still be an endless source of beauty and joy, which will not only help keep us company but also have a piece of nature in our daily space.