tropical fish to the rescue!
I posted several years ago that air traffic controllers were being advised to sit in front of a fish tank for 30 minutes after getting home to relax and undo any damage their stressful day had inflicted on them so that it didn’t build up into a problem.
Well, you may have heard this snippet on the news this morning. According to new research just published in the journal Environment & Behaviour people who spend time watching aquariums and fish tanks could see improvements in their physical and mental wellbeing,
In the first study of its kind, experts from the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth University and the University of Exeter assessed people’s physical and mental responses to tanks containing varying levels of fish.
The team found that viewing aquarium displays led to noticeable reductions in blood pressure and heart rate, and that higher numbers of fish helped to hold people’s attention for longer and improve their moods.
Dr Sabine Pahl, Associate Professor in Psychology at Plymouth University, said: “While large public aquariums typically focus on their educational mission, our study suggests they could offer a number of previously undiscovered benefits. In times of higher work stress and crowded urban living, perhaps aquariums can step in and provide an oasis of calm and relaxation.”
So if your kids have been badgering you for a fish tank or you already have a goldfish maybe it’s time to increase the size of the tank and get it a few friends – the whole family could benefit!
If you already have a tank let me know if it works. Have a lovely day, Peta :>)
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