| Sažetak (engleski) | The term 'Forest therapy' covers both preventive and therapeutic interventions in the forest. It is increasingly used for health promotive activities that are also referred to in the literature as "Forest bathing" (jap. “Shinrin-Yoku”), forest walks, and forest healing as well as for therapeutic purposes like nature therapy. It involves consciously engaging in slow, multi-sensory, immersive experiences in forests and other natural and semi-natural environments to achieve mental and physical health and well-being. There is a growing body of evidence-based research demonstrating the physiological and psychological effects of forests on health. Physiological effects can be seen in improvements in blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol levels, pain relief, stress reduction, respiratory function, and general well-being. It has been confirmed to have psychological effects on symptoms of depression, and anxiety, improving quality of life, mood, emotional and physical burnout, self-perception and acceptance, concentration, and improving cognitive function. Shinrin-Yoku leads to a deepening of the relationship between man and nature, and to the 'invisible' world. Mindfulness in and with nature, on the other hand, is a new setting that involves the ability to observe both one's perceptions and those of nature in an open and non-judgmental experience. Research has shown that mindfulness indoors reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, significantly reduces overall stress, and improves quality of life. This type of intervention has been shown to help improve chronic physical conditions, including cardiovascular and malignant diseases. The European Society of Hypertension has recognized the benefits of mindfulness and included it as a supportive, i.e., non-pharmacological therapy in the treatment guidelines for arterial hypertension in 2023. In this paper, the researchers argue using both methods in a combined outdoor setting as a comprehensive approach to lay the foundations for social prescribing to support usual healthcare, to improve health outcomes. |
