Similarities, disparities, and synergies with other complex interventions—stress as a common pathway

Both internal and external stimuli can cause stress, and suboptimal stress management is a major driver of ill health. There are several complex interventions, such as contemplative practices and cultural activities, which facilitate the process of becoming aware of and handling such stimuli. Participation in such activities can facilitate the connection with one’s emotions and values, and the integration of those in everyday coping. One contemplative practice is mindfulness, which involves bringing one’s complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis, non-judgementally. Among cultural interventions we find, for example, dance and music therapy and combinations thereof. It is plausible that the health effects of nature, and contemplative and cultural activities share a mechanistic background. Several theoretical principles are similar and the same kinds of condition benefit from these interventions, all with a certain effect on stress and mental fatigue. There could be synergistic effects of the various approaches.