You've done all you can at this point.
You tried eating healthier, sleeping earlier, hanging out with
friends, but you're still feeling stressed. Before you resort to the
doctor's office for medication, try visiting your local pet store
first. Having a pet is fun and can also be therapeutic to your
health. Common household pets are dogs and cats, which are great
companions for all ages, but they are not necessarily your only
options. If you're staying in an apartment where there is a strict
policy against keeping dogs and cats, try asking if you can keep some
fish instead.
It's true, fish aren't always the most
interactive of all pets. They don't fetch, play with you, or cuddle
up with you at night (unless you're a mermaid?). But there are
definitely other benefits to owning an aquarium that people often do
not realize.
First, let's talk price because it
wouldn't make much sense if the cost is so high that it makes you
even more stressed. The cost of starting and maintaining an aquarium
is much cheaper than owning a dog or cat. If you buy a second hand
tank and filter, which already comes pre-cycled for beneficial
bacteria, then the price can be as low as 30 dollars for a 10 gallon.
Maintenance is very simple. Most fish do not need to be fed daily so
you can change the water once every two weeks, and clean the filter
once every few months. Once you have your tank, the next thing to do
is add your fish, personalize your tank, and enjoy!
Picking out the right fish and adding
décor is perfect for self-expression. Fish keeping is really an art
form in itself, allowing the owner the freedom to let go and get lost
in its tranquility.
Although you cannot play with your fish
the same way you would with other pets, simple interactions such as
feeding your fish, changing their water, or just watching them swim
are still extremely enjoyable and relaxing. Water has always been a
key element associated with serenity, which is why we often find
aquariums or zen water fountains in places like the dentist office to
ease patients' nerve. A study at Purdue University found that
patients with Alzheimer who had been exposed to fish tanks ate 21%
more food than they otherwise would have. Watching a tropical fish
tank has also been shown to temporarily lower blood pressure. With
the room lights off and the tank lights on, these glimmering little
swimmers are sure to mesmerize any eyes.
Fish keeping is often bereft of its
many benefits because fish are not “real” pets. But pet or not,
the therapeutic effects of having an aquarium of fish are undeniable.
Fish are relatively cheap and easy to maintain, and they allow so
much room for creativity. So the next time you're feeling stressed,
go “swim with the fishes,” and see what these little guys can do
for you.
