Stress getting you down? Try watching fish in an aquarium

WATCHING tropical fish swim around a tank, it can seem like they don’t have a care in the world.

And some of this tranquillity clearly rubs off on humans – as research shows aquariums not only boost mood, but lower blood pressure and heart rate.

Scientists found that the more fish in the tank, the greater the beneficial effects.

While much research has been carried out on the calming effects of green spaces and nature, little has been done on watching fish.

Experts from the National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth Uni- versity and the University of Exeter assessed volunteers’ physical and mental responses to tanks containing different numbers of fish.

They said tanks are often seen in doctors’ and dentists’ waiting rooms due to their soothing properties. Dr Sabine Pahl, Plymouth’s associate professor in psychology, said: ‘In times of higher work stress and crowded urban living, perhaps aquariums can step in and provide an oasis of calm and relaxation.’

The study was published in the journal Environment and Behavior.