Accumulating evidence indicates that contact with nature improves mood, alleviates stress, and provides various other health benefits. However, the benefits of contact with green spaces, (i.e. landscapes), have been studied much more than contact with blue spaces, (i.e. bodies of water). Researching exposure to blue spaces will provide insight regarding the benefits associated uniquely with blue spaces, and possible universal benefits. This study investigated commonalities of the lived experience when interacting with blue spaces. We conducted in-depth interviews centered around a time participants had visited a blue space. Participants were also asked to bring in a photo they took at the blue space to serve as a memory prompt to encourage detailed answers. The interview notes were coded and then analyzed for patterns, such as word frequencies, and for illustrative quotes. The qualitative data analysis revealed that every participant felt relaxed to be near water. In addition, many students mentioned feeling present or being able to simply enjoy being rather than thinking about life’s stressors. Some participants attributed their relaxation to feeling as if they were secluded in their own little world. These findings are consistent with Kaplan’s Attention Restoration theory (ART) which suggests our finite capacity of effortful attention can be restored if fascinating stimuli involuntarily captures our attention. The theory states a restorative environment would include fascinating stimuli (i.e. birdsong, waves crashing), provide a sense of getting away, and must be compatible to one’s interests. These findings are significant because they confirm expected beliefs about stress alleviating features of blue spaces, as well as provide support for a possible explanatory theory.
