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Purpose: This study explored the experiences of people with stress-related illness participating in a nature-based intervention programme in a northern natural setting. Methods: A longitudinal case study was conducted with two women participating in a nature-based intervention programme on a farm. Data were collected by semi-structured interviews, diaries, rating scales, and self-assessment. Qualitative data were analysed by qualitative content analysis and quantitative data are presented descriptively. Results: The theme of finding a source for recovery and well-being permeates all categories. The participants perceived the farm and nature to be a calming refuge; they learned to be in the present and could manage the tasks. In togetherness with each other and the facilitator on the farm they felt understood and confident, experienced joy, and found opportunities for change. They gained knowledge and positive memories and found new approaches in life. Self-assessment questionnaires indicated improvements of functioning in everyday life and reduced stress-related exhaustion at the end of the NBI programme. Conclusions: Nature-based interventions lasting for a relatively short period seem to promote health and may be a complement to other treatments of stress-related illness. Further research is needed with a larger number of participants and in various natural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Stress‐related illness is increasing and is a common cause of sick leave. Spending time in nature have a positive effect on health and well‐being for instance by reducing stress. Specific programmes with nature‐based interventions (NBI) with the intention to involve people in activities in a supportive natural environment have been developed for people with stress‐related illness. Aim: To identify and summarise scientific studies of NBIs to promote health for people with stress‐related illness. Method: The design used in this study is integrative literature review. Scientific studies focusing on any type of NBI for people with stress‐related illness were sought in Cinahl, PubMed, PsycInfo, AMED and Scopus. In total, 25 studies using both qualitative and quantitative designs were included in the review. Result: The reviewed studies focused on garden or forest interventions. In the majority of the studies, NBIs were performed in groups, including individual activities, and the length of programmes varied. Interventions in natural environments have unique qualities for individualised, meaningful activities and interactions with others in a non‐demanding atmosphere. NBIs offer restoration that reduces stress, improves health and well‐being and strengthen self‐efficacy and work ability. Connectedness with nature support existential reflections and people with stress‐related illness can achieve balance in everyday life. Conclusion: In conclusion, NBIs may have advantages to promote health for people with stress‐related illness and should therefore be considered as an alternative to those affected. Further research from different perspectives, including nursing, is needed to understand the possibilities of NBIs and how they can be integrated into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the study was to describe how women with stress-related illness experience well-being in everyday life. Methods: The study was based on a reflective lifeworld research (RLR) approach and the methodological principles of openness, flexibility and bridling. Twelve women, aged 27–54 years, diagnosed with stress-related illness were included. Data were collected with lifeworld interviews based on photographs taken by the women relating to well-being in everyday life. The data were analysed for meaning. Results: Well-being emerged in situations where women could feel an unconditional beingness. This entails not having demands on oneself and includes some form of freedom from having to perform. The surroundings and supportive environments are important for this unconditional beingness to be present. In order to feel well-being in everyday life, the women need to balance their energy and find helpful tools that can achieve a balance in everyday life. Conclusions: Healthcare staff need to understand the importance of unconditional beingness in supportive environments for patients living with stress-related illness in order to support their health and well-being. It is also important to support patients in finding helpful tools that can aid them to achieve a balance in everyday life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]