Have you tried staring at an incredibly colorful aquarium for long hours and feeling relaxed while doing it?
Does stress seem to disappear when your eyes continuously gaze at various fish swimming amidst the vibrant backdrop of psychedelic corals, water plants, and marine life?
Believe it or not, you're not hallucinating. Your perceived experience is actually real!
However, don't just rely on what I said.
Wellness experts, psychologists, therapists, healthcare professionals, and even Architects and Designers from around the planet have substantial research that strongly supports the effectiveness of aquarium therapy in genuinely enhancing our well-being. How fascinating is that?
No wonder aquariums and fish tanks have been purposely incorporated as special therapeutic furniture in homes, offices, doctors’ clinics, entertainment facilities, theme parks, and commercial establishments. The list goes on.
Here's the invisible culprit:
It certainly has something to do with our innate affinity with Mother Nature, doesn't it?
Picture the healing effects for a moment of a tiny aquarium that’s the size of a chair. Despite its miniscule dimensions, I'm pretty sure that you're already captivated by the hypnotizing effects of its aquatic content, right?
Now, what if you multiplied that tiny aquarium 100,000 times? The sheer size of the resulting fish tank would absolutely blow your mind!
Exactly! And that was my immediate astonishment the instant I encountered the Dubai Aquarium in the United Arab Emirates for the first time, considered to be the world’s largest interior aquarium.
Just look at the unprecedented scale of this indoor behemoth dwarfing the human spectators below!
With epic proportions to hold an unimaginable amount of water including a diverse plethora of marine creatures and their supporting aquatic environment, the Dubai Aquarium is an internationally famous colossal spectacle installed inside the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping complexes on Earth.
In fact, my jaws dropped and eyes opened wide immediately upon arriving at the scene because I wasn't expecting the sheer magnitude of this monumental project. Bet it must have taken numerous manhours of labor and design expertise to construct such a magnificent work of architecture and engineering.
Sharks. Octopuses. Crustaceans. Groupers. Paddlefish. Stingrays. Clownfish. You name it. It was definitely resembling a little replica of what we can actually encounter inside our vast oceans - with the convenience of not getting wet.
Scuba divers, complete with underwater gear, were also present to entertain the mallgoers and other onlookers with their skillful antics.
I was particularly impressed with how the scuba divers approached the wild sharks, feeding and playing with them while altogether swimming at close range without an inch of fear or hesitation. Not sure if I would have the courage to do that though. Would you dare?
Although I've experienced different types of aquariums in my entire lifetime in terms of measurements and the varieties of fish and marine habitats on display, I've noticed similar rejuvenating benefits they provide to people who consistently enjoy viewing them.
The valuable advantages of aquarium-watching include but are not limited to the following:
Heart-Friendly Habit
Constantly staring at an aquarium for long periods has been proven to decrease blood pressure and lower the risks of a heart attack.
With the proliferation of digital devices that extensively monitor heart rate and blood pressure, satisfactory readings are guaranteed as a result of watching several kinds of fish and their aquatic surroundings.
Potential Cure for Loneliness
Pets like dogs, cats, birds, and marine creatures are one of the best companions one can possess.
If you're suffering from intense depression, the physical presence of these therapeutic animals would eventually entertain you by eliminating unnecessary boredom.
Stress-Relief and Performance Booster
Aquarium therapy not only improves mental, emotional, and spiritual health, but also promotes physical movements due to the nurture of natural pets like fish and the maintenance of their aquatic spaces in the long run.
Moreover, dreadful stress has been one of the painful reasons why human productivity has dramatically declined over the years, contributing to poor working routines. Isn't it about time to change all that disappoinment with a reliable aquarium or fish tank?
What about you?
Do you believe that aquatic environments like aquariums have positive circumstances on your life? Do you collect exotic marine animals and design fish tanks as a hobby or professional endeavor? Which popular aquarium have you already visited and experienced so far?
Let's talk.
About the Author
Architect | Environmentalist | Adventurer
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Wow! this post bought back many memories, I have been to Dubai aquarium many years ago.
This is literally very calming and sound experience.
Would love to go there again.
Amazing content @storiesoferne , had fun reading it.
Good day.:)
Oh wow! That's wonderful @praditya! I'm truly glad you've already been to the Dubai Aquarium and experienced for yourself up close and personal its majestic awesomeness. 👍
For sure, you had an ecstatic time there as nothing beats Mother Nature's astonishing spectacles like her marine biodiversity. Hope you can return to this epic landmark in the near future. Have a great weekend! 😊
because I am not good at diving, so i just take care aquarium in my house. now just a couples of small ones, but one day, i will make aquarium house in my dream house :)
Yeah, you're right @anggreklestari. Deep-sea diving is not for everyone as it entails lots of courage, stamina, and enthusiasm to conquer the phobia of extremely deep environments like the ocean. At least, you possess home-made aquariums that replicate the rejuvenating experiences as close as possible to the healing effects of fish and their aquatic habitats. Definitely, those fish tanks will be perfect pieces of interesting furniture for your dream home. 😊
Greetings @storiesoferne, what a beautiful aquarium, it looks like a small replica of the ocean, aquariums have the particular characteristic of providing relaxation; in several establishments in the city such as clinics and laboratories you can find nice fish tanks, I think the intention is to make the waiting time more pleasant while watching these beautiful creatures.
Happy Thursday!
Hello @belkyscabrera. Indeed, this enormous aquarium is really a live replica of marine life found in the ocean depths. And the experience itself is breathtaking since you could only fathom this staggering project due to its gigantic size. Dubai is simply blessed with architecture that's out of this world. Have a fantastic weekend! 😊
Wuaooo what an incredible aquarium, in Dubai everything is created to leave you with your mouth open, I hope someday I can go to that country.
The sea and aquariums bring calm, they are relaxing, when I was a child my dad had a fish tank at home that lasted for years, it was very nice, thanks for bringing back those childhood memories. @storiesoferne 😉😊
Absolutely @soyunasantacruz, Dubai is simply one of the most spectacular cities in the world in terms of state-of-the-art architecture and design. Almost everywhere you look, the marvelous landmarks just take your breath away. And that includes the Dubai Aquarium.
I'm glad you had actual experiences with fish tanks at home while growing up as a kid. There's no doubt that you really enjoyed its rejuvenating effects. It's a huge pleasure to spark nostalgic moments with my story. Happy Monday! 😊
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