ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT AS A KEY ASPECT OF HUMAN WELL-BEING DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Environmental enrichment (EE) has long been established as an effective method of improving neuroplasticity and reducing behavioral problems in captive mammals. As the creation of an enriched environment includes the effects of social stimuli and novel objects, its translation to humans can be considered reasonable. In this article, the authors suggest that environmental enrichment should be considered as a promising strategy to combat the social isolation caused by the pandemic, providing a better opportunity for behavioral adaptation. Рurpose: The aim of this review is to explore the importance of environmental enrichment as a fundamental component of promoting human well-being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this paper was to demonstrate the relationship between psychological distress, cognitive impairment and neuropsychological status in patients suffering from COVID-19 and COVID-related isolation, and to describe the benefits of the environmental enrichment approach and propose it as a potential solution to improve brain performance. Methodology: Extensive searches were conducted in academic databases including PubMed, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Google Scholar. Keywords including 'environmental enrichment', 'nature exposure', 'physical activity', 'social interaction', 'cognitive stimulation', 'well-being', 'mental health', 'COVID-19 pandemic' and related terms were used. The search was limited to articles published in English and focused on human populations. Studies eligible for inclusion included empirical research, review articles, meta-analyses and theoretical papers relevant to environmental enrichment and human well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Relevant articles were screened using titles and abstracts to determine eligibility for full text review. Data were extracted from selected articles, including study objectives, methods, key findings and implications for human well-being. Studies were synthesized thematically to identify common themes, trends and gaps in the literature. The review aims to provide a comprehensive and rigorous synthesis of the literature on the role of environmental enrichment in promoting human well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Scientific novelty: The review presents a new perspective by synthesizing the existing literature on environmental enrichment in the unique context of the COVID-19 pandemic. It explores how environmental factors such as exposure to nature, physical activity and social interactions can serve as critical resources for maintaining and enhancing human well-being in times of crisis. By specifically addressing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on human well-being, the review offers a novel examination of the challenges posed by pandemic-related restrictions, isolation and uncertainty. It highlights how environmental enrichment strategies can serve as adaptive coping mechanisms to mitigate the negative psychological and emotional effects of the pandemic. One of the key scientific novelties of the review is its interdisciplinary approach to understanding human well-being. It synthesizes findings from psychology, public health and environmental science to provide a comprehensive analysis of the role of environmental enrichment in promoting holistic well-being during the pandemic. Conclusions. The review highlights the importance of environmental enrichment, which includes exposure to nature, physical activity, social interactions and cognitive stimulation, in promoting human well-being during the pandemic. Environmental enrichment strategies offer valuable resources for mitigating the negative psychological, emotional and social effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. By providing opportunities for stress reduction, mood enhancement and social support, these interventions contribute to resilience and adaptive coping mechanisms in times of crisis. Exposure to nature is emerging as a particularly powerful form of environmental enrichment, with therapeutic benefits for mental health, emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Encouraging physical activity and facilitating social interactions, albeit within the constraints of public health guidelines, play a critical role in maintaining human well-being during the pandemic.