De-stress With Jellyfish

Did you know November 3 was Jellyfish Awareness Day? We didn’t either! If you’ve ever visited an aquarium jellyfish exhibit or been lucky enough to witness them hanging out in their oceanic habitat (while being careful not to get stung, of course!), you’ve likely been mesmerized by their graceful movements and brilliant hues.

Despite the name, jellyfish are not considered fish but spineless animals (a.k.a. invertebrates). All varieties sting but most will only cause mild pain and numbness. Their colour is determined by a number of factors, depending on the species. For instance, the pigment of a Moon Jellyfish is based on what they consume: orange means they are enjoying brine shrimp, while pink or lavender indicates they prefer a crustacean diet (like flamingos!).

Of course, you don’t have to be at the aquarium or in the middle of the ocean to see jellyfish. Actually, watching the ethereal creatures slow dance across your computer screen can promote mindfulness, allowing you to de-stress. Meditation is typically thought of as an act performed with your eyes closed and in a seated, upright position while you turn your brain off, but this is a common misconception. The practice takes many forms and just setting aside 15 minutes a day has proven to be highly beneficial, even if you’re only staring at jellyfish. We love this video Ocean Wise shared on jellyfish meditation—check it out to get started! —Rachel Johnston