Aquaponics Blog Posts

emotional regulation with Aquaponics

Emotional Regulation with Aquaponics

March 02, 20244 min read

Emotional Regulation: Calming Down With Aquaponics Garden Therapy

“Breathe. At times, this is the hardest thing to do. Then you watch an Aquaponics System, and you find yourself again.” - Candy Alexander

When we struggle to balance our emotions, it can be helpful to sit and watch something in balance. We see how it is regulating itself, and we can often then regulate ourselves purely by watching.

This video looks at aquaponics as a form of garden therapy, helping you to see something external in balance, and helping you to calm down and balance yourself.

In turning to your aquaponics system in times of stress, you can find these elements helping you without realising it.

1. Nurturing Patience:

Aquaponics teaches you patience. You cannot force nature to bend to your will, it has its own time. Waiting for plants to grow teaches us the true value of patience and helps us develop resilience in the face of setbacks or delays, fostering emotional regulation. When you take the time to learn aquaponics, it helps teach us emotional intelligence.

2. Promoting Gratitude:

Caring for your aquaponics system can cultivate a sense of gratitude for the interconnectedness of life. Seeing the harmonious relationship between plants and fish and the role they play in sustaining each other's health can promote feelings of appreciation and emotional balance within ourselves. We can see how we fit in.

3. Encouraging Mindfulness:

Engaging in the daily tasks of maintaining a backyard aquaponics system encourages mindfulness by focusing attention on the present moment. Whether it's checking water levels, feeding the fish, or pruning plants, these activities promote mindful awareness and help individuals stay grounded in the here and now.

4. Facilitating Emotional Expression:

Gardening, including aquaponics, can serve as a form of emotional expression. Whether it's nurturing plants to health or providing a safe and comfortable habitat for fish, the act of caring for living organisms allows us how to channel our emotions in a positive and constructive way, while getting the benefits of healthy food!

5. Enhancing Self-Reflection:

Spending time tending to our aquaponics ecosystem provides us with opportunities for self-reflection and introspection. A time to truly look deep within, and understand ourselves at a different level. Observing the growth and development of plants and fish can prompt us to reflect on our own personal growth journey, leading to greater emotional self-awareness and regulation.

6. Fostering Resilience:

Overcoming challenges and setbacks in maintaining our aquaponics ecosystem builds resilience and emotional strength. We learn to adapt to changing conditions, troubleshoot problems, and persevere in the face of difficulties cultivates a sense of inner resilience that can help us to navigate life's ups and downs more effectively.

7. Creating a Safe Space:

Our aquaponics system can serve as a sanctuary where we feel safe and at peace. Spending time in this nurturing environment can provide a refuge from the stresses of daily life, allowing individuals to recharge emotionally and find balance amidst life's challenges.


Are you interested in reading about how I worked through PTSD and Anxiety with the help of Aquaponics?

My Invisible Therapist

It was the most amazing thing to be able to see the connection between myself, and an aquaponics system and with that find a way to let go of the unhealthy thoughts and trauma that were plaguing me.

Get your digital copy of my Aquaponics Book here


Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE


Candy Alexander the Aquaponics Lady

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.

blog author image

Candy Alexander

Candy Alexander is a passionate aquaponics educator who believes in the philosophy of keeping things simple and close to nature. With over 15 years of experience in aquaponics and 4 years of formal training in aquaculture, Candy is determined to help people create sustainable gardening in their urban lifestyle. Additionally, she advocates for the therapeutic benefits of aquaponics, viewing it as a form of garden therapy for mental health. Through her expertise and dedication, Candy strives to make the intricate world of aquaponics accessible to all, fostering both environmental sustainability and personal well-being.

Back to Blog

Gardening Blogs

emotional regulation with Aquaponics

Emotional Regulation with Aquaponics

March 02, 20244 min read

Emotional Regulation: Calming Down With Aquaponics Garden Therapy

“Breathe. At times, this is the hardest thing to do. Then you watch an Aquaponics System, and you find yourself again.” - Candy Alexander

When we struggle to balance our emotions, it can be helpful to sit and watch something in balance. We see how it is regulating itself, and we can often then regulate ourselves purely by watching.

This video looks at aquaponics as a form of garden therapy, helping you to see something external in balance, and helping you to calm down and balance yourself.

In turning to your aquaponics system in times of stress, you can find these elements helping you without realising it.

1. Nurturing Patience:

Aquaponics teaches you patience. You cannot force nature to bend to your will, it has its own time. Waiting for plants to grow teaches us the true value of patience and helps us develop resilience in the face of setbacks or delays, fostering emotional regulation. When you take the time to learn aquaponics, it helps teach us emotional intelligence.

2. Promoting Gratitude:

Caring for your aquaponics system can cultivate a sense of gratitude for the interconnectedness of life. Seeing the harmonious relationship between plants and fish and the role they play in sustaining each other's health can promote feelings of appreciation and emotional balance within ourselves. We can see how we fit in.

3. Encouraging Mindfulness:

Engaging in the daily tasks of maintaining a backyard aquaponics system encourages mindfulness by focusing attention on the present moment. Whether it's checking water levels, feeding the fish, or pruning plants, these activities promote mindful awareness and help individuals stay grounded in the here and now.

4. Facilitating Emotional Expression:

Gardening, including aquaponics, can serve as a form of emotional expression. Whether it's nurturing plants to health or providing a safe and comfortable habitat for fish, the act of caring for living organisms allows us how to channel our emotions in a positive and constructive way, while getting the benefits of healthy food!

5. Enhancing Self-Reflection:

Spending time tending to our aquaponics ecosystem provides us with opportunities for self-reflection and introspection. A time to truly look deep within, and understand ourselves at a different level. Observing the growth and development of plants and fish can prompt us to reflect on our own personal growth journey, leading to greater emotional self-awareness and regulation.

6. Fostering Resilience:

Overcoming challenges and setbacks in maintaining our aquaponics ecosystem builds resilience and emotional strength. We learn to adapt to changing conditions, troubleshoot problems, and persevere in the face of difficulties cultivates a sense of inner resilience that can help us to navigate life's ups and downs more effectively.

7. Creating a Safe Space:

Our aquaponics system can serve as a sanctuary where we feel safe and at peace. Spending time in this nurturing environment can provide a refuge from the stresses of daily life, allowing individuals to recharge emotionally and find balance amidst life's challenges.


Are you interested in reading about how I worked through PTSD and Anxiety with the help of Aquaponics?

My Invisible Therapist

It was the most amazing thing to be able to see the connection between myself, and an aquaponics system and with that find a way to let go of the unhealthy thoughts and trauma that were plaguing me.

Get your digital copy of my Aquaponics Book here


Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE


Candy Alexander the Aquaponics Lady

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.

blog author image

Candy Alexander

Candy Alexander is a passionate aquaponics educator who believes in the philosophy of keeping things simple and close to nature. With over 15 years of experience in aquaponics and 4 years of formal training in aquaculture, Candy is determined to help people create sustainable gardening in their urban lifestyle. Additionally, she advocates for the therapeutic benefits of aquaponics, viewing it as a form of garden therapy for mental health. Through her expertise and dedication, Candy strives to make the intricate world of aquaponics accessible to all, fostering both environmental sustainability and personal well-being.

Back to Blog

Garden Therapy with Aquaponics Blogs Below

emotional regulation with Aquaponics

Emotional Regulation with Aquaponics

March 02, 20244 min read

Emotional Regulation: Calming Down With Aquaponics Garden Therapy

“Breathe. At times, this is the hardest thing to do. Then you watch an Aquaponics System, and you find yourself again.” - Candy Alexander

When we struggle to balance our emotions, it can be helpful to sit and watch something in balance. We see how it is regulating itself, and we can often then regulate ourselves purely by watching.

This video looks at aquaponics as a form of garden therapy, helping you to see something external in balance, and helping you to calm down and balance yourself.

In turning to your aquaponics system in times of stress, you can find these elements helping you without realising it.

1. Nurturing Patience:

Aquaponics teaches you patience. You cannot force nature to bend to your will, it has its own time. Waiting for plants to grow teaches us the true value of patience and helps us develop resilience in the face of setbacks or delays, fostering emotional regulation. When you take the time to learn aquaponics, it helps teach us emotional intelligence.

2. Promoting Gratitude:

Caring for your aquaponics system can cultivate a sense of gratitude for the interconnectedness of life. Seeing the harmonious relationship between plants and fish and the role they play in sustaining each other's health can promote feelings of appreciation and emotional balance within ourselves. We can see how we fit in.

3. Encouraging Mindfulness:

Engaging in the daily tasks of maintaining a backyard aquaponics system encourages mindfulness by focusing attention on the present moment. Whether it's checking water levels, feeding the fish, or pruning plants, these activities promote mindful awareness and help individuals stay grounded in the here and now.

4. Facilitating Emotional Expression:

Gardening, including aquaponics, can serve as a form of emotional expression. Whether it's nurturing plants to health or providing a safe and comfortable habitat for fish, the act of caring for living organisms allows us how to channel our emotions in a positive and constructive way, while getting the benefits of healthy food!

5. Enhancing Self-Reflection:

Spending time tending to our aquaponics ecosystem provides us with opportunities for self-reflection and introspection. A time to truly look deep within, and understand ourselves at a different level. Observing the growth and development of plants and fish can prompt us to reflect on our own personal growth journey, leading to greater emotional self-awareness and regulation.

6. Fostering Resilience:

Overcoming challenges and setbacks in maintaining our aquaponics ecosystem builds resilience and emotional strength. We learn to adapt to changing conditions, troubleshoot problems, and persevere in the face of difficulties cultivates a sense of inner resilience that can help us to navigate life's ups and downs more effectively.

7. Creating a Safe Space:

Our aquaponics system can serve as a sanctuary where we feel safe and at peace. Spending time in this nurturing environment can provide a refuge from the stresses of daily life, allowing individuals to recharge emotionally and find balance amidst life's challenges.


Are you interested in reading about how I worked through PTSD and Anxiety with the help of Aquaponics?

My Invisible Therapist

It was the most amazing thing to be able to see the connection between myself, and an aquaponics system and with that find a way to let go of the unhealthy thoughts and trauma that were plaguing me.

Get your digital copy of my Aquaponics Book here


Check out My YouTube Channel 'Candy The Aquaponics Lady'

Aquaponics is an ecosystem, and with anything it takes time to learn how it works. So, sit back and binge watch my 'how to' playlist and the 'Water Quality Made Simple' Playlist, and learn the next steps in your aquaponics system as you create the ecosystem.

Want to get your Eyes and Hands on the FREE Online Aquaponics Essentials Course?

This is a great free resource to really understand how aquaponics is a sustainable ecosystem that will grow your organic food is a productive way.

You learn how all the 'parts' make up the 'whole', and helps to give you the foundations of understanding aquaponics.

Sign up HERE


Candy Alexander the Aquaponics Lady

Candy Alexander is a dedicated aquaponics enthusiast with a wealth of formal training in aquaculture. Over the past 15 years, Candy has been deeply immersed in both commercial and backyard aquaponics, honing her skills and expertise in this sustainable farming method.

Candy's passion lies in making aquaponics accessible to everyone. With a mission to simplify aquaponics, she believes that anyone can embark on this sustainable journey.

She encourages those new to aquaponics to "kick the tires" without a significant financial investment. Her guidance focuses on helping people start their aquaponics journey with small-scale systems, ensuring a low barrier to entry for newcomers.

Candy shares practical tips, step-by-step guides, and personal stories to inspire and guide readers on their aquaponics adventure. Whether you're a seasoned farmer or a curious beginner, Candy Alexander is your go-to source for simplifying aquaponics and fostering a sustainable gardening experience.

blog author image

Candy Alexander

Candy Alexander is a passionate aquaponics educator who believes in the philosophy of keeping things simple and close to nature. With over 15 years of experience in aquaponics and 4 years of formal training in aquaculture, Candy is determined to help people create sustainable gardening in their urban lifestyle. Additionally, she advocates for the therapeutic benefits of aquaponics, viewing it as a form of garden therapy for mental health. Through her expertise and dedication, Candy strives to make the intricate world of aquaponics accessible to all, fostering both environmental sustainability and personal well-being.

Back to Blog

The relaxation you feel when your garden is well known. Aquaponics brings a deeper sense of calm as it connects you with the relaxation of fish as well.

Seeing the miracles of nature happening within your aquaponics system gives you a sense of wonder and excitement.

As everything about aquaponics is based on balance, it gives you the physical representation of balance to connect to when you feel overwhelmed by life.

I use aquaponics as a form of garden therapy to help me manage PTSD,

anxiety, depression, and autism.

Have you been thinking about a deeper meaning in life?

Aquaponics can show you this perfectly!

Check out the article below on how I manage my anxiety with aquaponics:

Managing My "Anxiety Octopus" with Aquaponics


Copyright 2023 | Candy The Aquaponics Lady | All Rights Reserved Email: ask@theaquaponicslady.com Queensland, Australia