Destress Your Nest
Can fish be calming ? Kurt Harrington of Something Fishy gives us the scoop . BY KERRI TALLMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NAT REA
After a year of chaos , both at work and home , an aquarium may be the solution to finding peace in your day . Founder and CEO Kurt Harrington of Something Fishy shares some tips on the health benefits of adding marine life to your home life .
HOW ARE AQUARIUMS BENEFICIAL TO YOUR HEALTH ? Aquariums aren ’ t just for aesthetics . They can be found in many doctors ’ offices as a calming feature to keep patients ’ stress levels low . Medically , they can reduce blood pressure and calm anxiety . In studies conducted by Plymouth University and the University of Exeter , there was a 12 percent reduction in anxiety for those exposed to aquariums . “ Healing environments such as hospitals , rehabilitation centers , or any other medical treatment areas ( including homes !) can increase the tranquility and healing of their patients by including an aquarium exhibit as part of the healing plan ,” Harrington says . “ While it may seem this inclusion is for decoration , aquarium exhibits are part of the philosophy of patient-centered care , creating healing environments and improved patient outcomes .”
WOULD AN AQUARIUM BE SUITABLE FOR A WORK FROM HOME SETTING ? For those who are still working from home , it may be difficult to find a balance between work overload and home life . Having an aquarium in your workspace can lead to increased productivity and creativity . Offices that have aquariums with living fish produce higher positive moods than any other natural or artificial natural environment , according to a study by The World Health Design . “ Workforces that are happier , healthier and ultimately more productive are the result of building the right environment ,” Harrington says .
WHAT ’ S THE BEST PLACE FOR A HOME AQUARIUM ? Aquariums placed in the study , fitness and meditation areas or primary suite will set the tone for relaxation , reduce stress and provide a healthy environment to support any healing ailment . The combination of the lighting , movement and fish behaviors all support stress reduction and healing .
ARE THERE CERTAIN FISH THAT PROVIDE MORE TRANQUILITY THAN OTHERS ? When using an aquarium to support tranquility , having fish species that are graceful swimmers , colorful , peaceful in their community and gentle grazers is important . A saltwater Reef Aquarium provides the perfect combination of all of this . ◆
SOMETHING FISHY , 175 Metro Center Blvd ., Warwick , 877-347-4825 , somethingfishyinc . com
12 RHODE ISLAND MONTHLY ’ S NEST | 2022