Background: Previous pandemic and catastrophic events significantly changed the life of every human being, bringing him into a state of stress and the need to quickly adapt to new ways of daily activity. COVID-19 has a negative impact on all elements of health: social, physical and mental. Pharmacotherapy, as well as protective measures (isolation, wearing masks and maintaining physical distance) did not give the expected results. Vaccination has not yet led to collective immunity, so it is still jeopardizing every aspect of human health (1, 2). Non-pharmacological methods such as: stress and sleep control, physical activity and being in nature are of great importance since they can significantly contribute to staying healthy during a pandemic. Objectives: The aim of this paper is to evaluate the impact of non-pharmacological measures such as stress and sleep control (with different measures against the negative effects of anxiety and depression on mental state) and the possible positive impact of forest bathing on improving the immune response to the virus and its consequences. Methods: Available evidence-based studies on ways to combat stress and the effect of the proposed measures on human mental health and the immune system were analyzed. From the mentioned studies, recommended measures have been registered, which refer to the stress and sleep control, diet and eating habits, staying in nature ("forest bathing", gardening), virtual communication and meditation (mindful practice). Results and Discussion: The combined results of these studies indicate that COVID-19 has a chronic course and complications that significantly affect the physical, mental and emotional state of the patient. Proven positive effects of non-pharmacological measures can be applied in the daily practice of primary health care in the comprehensive fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Conclusion: Non-Pharmacological measures such as stress and sleep control, spending time in nature, healthy diet, and physical activity may improve the immune response to COVID-19. These measures and with their positive effects on all aspects of health can make a major contribution to controlling and improving the quality of life during a COVID-19 pandemic.
Key words: COVID-19, mental health, PCSS, non-pharmacological, forest bathing, immune system.
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