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Why Visiting the Aquarium is Good for Your Health

  • Tuesday 21st May 2019

Humans have been awed by nature since the beginning of time. But beyond the beauty, did you know nature is good for you? The proof is in: one of the healthiest things to do in Melbourne today is visit SEA LIFE Melbourne.

 

Light Love

Most of us aren’t avid divers, and if you’re lucky enough to have been snorkelling, you’ve only experienced the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the diverse range of marine life that dwells in the depths. Aquariums bring these invisible sea creatures to light and illuminate their extraordinary beauty, making them accessible for everyone.

In other words, being inside an aquarium feels other-worldly. The soft blue lighting, serene sounds and hypnotic sea movements relax the mind and body. This state of presence can have a positive domino effect too. Hello good night’s sleep means hello more productive days.

 

Heart Health

The study suggests aquariums reduce heart rates and blood pressure. And the good vibes come quickly too! Most positive wellbeing effects happen within the first five minutes. After this, the effects stabilise, with benefits continuing throughout your aquarium experience. Your heart will thank you, and so will your elevated sense of happiness!

 

Biodiversity Connection

The researchers also tested the benefits of looking at a water tank filled with only rocks, while surrounded by the same lighting and noise of an aquarium. Sure – this setting is certainly relaxing, but fascinatingly, as more fish were added into the tank, the more relaxed and significantly happier we humans become.

Get amongst thousands of aquatic animals at SEA LIFE Melbourne, with 14 themed habitat zones – that’s a lot of happiness under one roof! It’s no wonder our visitors always stop to soak up the panoramic views beneath our 2.2 million litre Oceanarium tank. Huge stingrays, massive sharks and hundreds of marine creatures swimming around you will surely make your soul sing.

 

Conservation Inspiration

Climate change continues to pull focus worldwide as more of our natural environments come under threat. But we don’t automatically make the link between protecting the earth’s beautiful biodiversity and protecting our wellbeing.

That’s why world-class aquariums focus on conservation. By sharing and showing you the diversity of underwater creatures, aquariums inspire you to help save the planet for generations to come. We all want our kids to live in a world full of colourful marine life. At SEA LIFE Melbourne, you can learn how we support biodiversity through breeding, rescuing, and other protection campaigns.

 

Self-Care Ritual

At the core of the study, was how nature could be brought to urban populations. Large aquariums do just that; revealing mysterious ocean secrets to the people who live in our most built-up areas. Amidst crowded cities, busy schedules and high-stress levels, aquariums are a calm oasis.

 

Want to add aquarium trips to your self-care ritual? Save money by purchasing a Merlin Annual Pass. The pass gives you 12 months unlimited entry to SEA LIFE Melbourne, plus 10 other top attractions in Australia and New Zealand, including SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast (formerly Underwater World) and SEA LIFE Kelly Tarlton's.

 

 

Source: Cracknell, D et al. 2016, 'Marine Biota and Psychological Well-Being: A Preliminary Examination of Dose-Response Effects in an Aquarium Setting', Environment Behaviour, Vol. 48, Issue 10

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