You may be surprised to find out that fish are the third most popular type of pet out there.
You also may be surprised to hear that keeping fish brings many health benefits to the table.
There have been dozens of studies conducted to conclude that keeping fish, or even just watching them for a small bit of time can have positive effects on your health and wellbeing.
In this article, we’re going to explore those different benefits, then decide if you should open up an aquarium of your own.
Benefit #1: Keeping fish reduces stress
One of the best benefits to keeping fish is that watching them will reduce your stress levels.
How?
Well, the answer lies in stimuli. Your brain gathers, collects, and interprets A LOT of information every day, and sends response signals to the information This is what we consider consciousness.
Imagine yourself in a stressful situation at the office. Phones are ringing, people are rushing left and right. Your brain interprets the situation as chaotic, thus responding by sending chemicals like adrenaline to “hype yourself up” and preparing yourself to handle stress.
Now imagine you’re enjoying a peaceful afternoon with your friends and family at the lake. In this situation, your brain interprets the situation as less chaotic and calmer. Thus, your brain will send chemicals like dopamine to make you feel happier and calmer, allowing yourself to step off the gas a little bit.
One of the best calming stimuli to take in is the sight and sound of running water. In fact, many of us know the benefits of enjoying the water. Heck, that’s one reason why some people love fishing so much.
One of my old fishing buddies used to tell me that the best part of fishing besides catching the fish was enjoying the sight of the water in the morning and afternoon.
And THAT is why fishkeeping reduces stress. Aquariums naturally give off that feeling of being at the beach or lake. Resulting in your brain sending calming chemicals to your body.
Benefit #2: Keeping fish makes you happier
Feeling stressed out is one of the main reasons why someone tends to feel down.
Although watching fish swim around won’t remove all the stress in your life, it’ll definitely remove some. With that, you’ll notice that you start to think brighter and more optimistic about things when looking at your aquarium.
In fact, you may even look forward to something you dislike when staring at fish.
All around, you’ll feel an uplift in your mood and more energy to tackle your day.
Benefit #3: Keeping fish will make you feel more productive
Another benefit to running a fish tank is that you’ll have a sense of feeling productive.
Whether you’re doing some of your tanks manual work like cleaning the tank or feeding the fish, you’ll have that feeling that you’re doing something.
And that feeling of productivity can translate into your actual work life. Feeling uplifted by doing your tank chores, you’ll have a better mindset to get some work done at the office!
Benefit #4: Keeping Fish Removes “Mental Fog”
Another huge benefit to keeping a fish tank is the magic effect of mental clarity it offers you.
Staring at fish is one way that you can “escape from reality” and give yourself time to think to yourself about things that truly matter.
Instead of worrying about the deadline for the next meeting, you’ll feel more connected to yourself. This will allow you to focus more on what you’re doing.
Benefit #5: Keeping Fish Brings Joy
Finally, the best part of fishkeeping is that you’ll have fun! Whether you’re doing your tanks chores or adding a new fish, running an entire aquatic ecosystem is a fun hobby.
Every fish tank is unique in its own way, no two are alike. Your home aquarium is no exception!
Should I Keep Fish?
The simple answer: YES!
Keeping fish is a fun, exciting, and cheap hobby to get into. Compared to other animals like dogs and cats, you won’t have to walk them, give them toys, or entertain them every day. Fish are pretty low maintenance and have many health benefits that you’ll love, so we recommend starting an aquarium to those that are new!
Summary
Keeping fish is a fun hobby that you should try.
From the many health benefits like reducing stress and allowing you to focus more, running a fish tank from your home is a great idea worth considering.
Want to set up a fish tank of your own and experience the endless health benefits? Read this guide on how to set up a fish tank for beginners to assemble the tank of your dreams!
Meet The Author
Hi there, my name is Gunnar Kennedy! I’m a fishkeeping enthusiast and owner of Smartfishkepeer. I love sharing new ideas and helping others care for their aquatic friends! I hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new!