Background: Positive effects of physical activity, health promotion and disease prevention, in treatment of mental\nillnesses are well documented. Mental health practice for nursing students highlights the important connection\nbetween physical activities and mental health. This study aims to examine the outcome from nursing students�\nparticipation using The forest as a classroom. Students� collaboration by problem solving, theoretical discussions and\nperformance of activities in the forest serves as a repertoire of non-medical treatment strategies in mental health.\nMethods: The forest as a classroom was evaluated by means of an ad-hoc questionnaire including both standardized\nand open-ended questions. Data was analyzed by means of descriptive statistics and content analysis.\nResults: The results indicated enhanced knowledge about physical activity and its impact on mental health. However,\nthe nursing students� experience challenge preserving theoretical exercises outdoor because sensory stimulation took\nattention away from learning.\nConclusions: For nursing students it is essential to build a repertoire of treatment activities to care for patients having\nmental health problems. This kind of approach is supported by the students� learning in the forest. The pilot study\nhighlights the importance of multiple methods of learning in nursing education.
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