When I began my career as a Publishing Specialist at JETPUBS, I was extremely shy and anxious. I’m still shy, but a lot of the new job anxiety has faded with the passing of time, growth of experience, and development of relationships. I attribute most of my evolution at work to my intense desire to learn new skills and my persistent sense of responsibility. The anxiety, however, has been eased significantly by something else, not something I was born with, but something I inherited from a colleague: fish.
Fish in aquariums are a known stress reliever. How many doctors’ offices have I visited that had aquariums prominently displayed in the middle of their waiting rooms, or dentists offices with the same décor? All of them. This is undoubtedly due to the soothing nature of water coupled with the mesmerizing experience of observing grace in motion.
I remember the first time I was called into my manager’s office to discuss my first solo project. She had recently gotten a stunning cube-shaped aquarium in her office, and it was filled with lively, beautiful inhabitants. I was nervously waiting for her to open some files on her computer so I stared, mesmerized, at the fish in that tank as they glided gracefully through the water. The effect was instantaneous: I felt more relaxed. My hands unclenched. I felt more at ease and prepared for my coming assignment. Every time I went back into that office to receive a new assignment or report on progress, I watched the fish and let them soothe my nerves. I began looking forward to visiting my boss rather than dreading it.
Around the same time that my manager got her new aquarium, a colleague decided to get a much smaller tank for her desk. She had a collection of tiny tetra, each with its own personality. She named the feisty one after herself. I considered getting a tank for my own desk, but shied away for no real reason. Months later, that colleague was offered a new position closer to her home, so she left her tank and its occupants in my care.
Ever since a fish tank took up residence on my desk, its positive effects on my mental health have been notable. I feel calmer at work, and periods of stress have become more manageable. There are plenty of studies that show how the environmental stimuli of aquariums have a variety of health and emotional benefits, stress and blood pressure reduction among them. Other benefits include pain reduction, behavior improvement in Alzheimer’s patients, increased attention in ADHD students, and boosted endorphin production.
Whether it’s the soothing sound of running water, the hypnotic effect of gazing at swimming fish, the tranquil setting, or a combination thereof, having an aquarium is undoubtedly a positive factor in my life. I’ve upgraded my own aquarium from my inherited one gallon tank to a five gallon tank complete with a SpongeBob pineapple house. The fish and aquarium have brought me a lot of happiness. I’m so glad I work in a pet-friendly office that allows individuals to keep aquariums. I would strongly recommend fish ownership to anyone looking for that little boost of serenity in their life, either at home or in the office.
– Jessica Bridger, JETPUBS Inc.