Stephanie Heath
I have always argued that travel is medicine, but now it seems that there might be some science to back up this claim. Specifically, one country is arguing that traveling to it could improve your health.
Videos by Rare
The Details: Travel and Leisure reported that Sweden is promoting travel, arguing that it could improve one’s health.
- Sweden is promoting sauna, forest bathing, and Northern Lights as natural therapies.
- The country is encouraging people to visit not only for the stunning views but also for the health benefits it may provide.
- Doctors from around the world are on board with the first-of-its-kind initiative
Giving Travel Is Medicine A Whole New Meaning
It turns out that vacation can be more than just relaxing; it can also be healing. Travel and Leisure shared that Sweden is launching a brand new initiative to “encourage visitors and doctors to take advantage of the health benefits of traveling to the country.”
Research from the Karolinska Institutet and a new global YouGov survey showed that many of the following Swedish activities have health benefits.
- Using suanas
- Forest bathing
- Seeing outdoor art
Some of the health benefits from these activities include:
- Reduction in stress
- Improving heart health
- Regulating sleep
- Boosting mood
Doctors Are On Board: According to Visit Sweden, doctors worldwide are in support of this initiative. Stacy Beller Stryer, associate medical director for Park RxAmerica, shared her thoughts on the matter.
- “Nature, social settings, and culture have restorative powers, and evidently, Sweden has these assets in abundance.” Furthermore, she argued that she would “welcome discussing with my patients how Swedish nature and lifestyle could benefit their health—and am open to prescribing a visit to the country if my patients request it.”
Visit Sweden
Visit Sweden prepared a prescription guide that people could bring to their doctor’s office. Then, their doctors can make recommendations based on the guide. Not only does the guide offer specific activities, such as forest bathing, but it also provides detailed information on how each positively impacts your health. Here are details on just three of the activities from the guide.
- Get your daily dose of ‘fika’
- ‘Fika’ is a cherished Swedish habit. It is a chance to slow down, enjoy a small meal or drink, and enjoy company with no expectations.
- It has been linked to lower stress and better focus.
- Get a good night’s sleep under the stars
- The site argues that Sweden offers all of the conditions necessary for a good night’s sleep, such as cool temperatures, clean air, and no light or sound pollution.
- A few nights’ sleep here can help reset the circadian rhythm.
- The site argues that Sweden offers all of the conditions necessary for a good night’s sleep, such as cool temperatures, clean air, and no light or sound pollution.
- Recharge in the Swedish forest
- 70 percent of the country is covered in forest, so this is fairly easy to do.
- Spending time in the forest has been proven to lower stress and blood pressure and boost focus.
Health Benefits of Sweden: In addition to this prescription plan, Visit Sweden shares the many health benefits of visiting their country. They literally prove that travel here is medicine.
- Categories of health benefits of traveling to Sweden include:
- Silence and tranquility
- Swedish sauna culture
- Slowing down with Swedish ‘fika’
- Forest bathing
- Restorative sleep
- Light and dark
- Accessible Nature
- Culture without the crowds
- Clean air
- Active travel made easy
- Sweden’s foraging culture
- Life by water
- Wellbeing through metal
- Lagom: The Swedish art of balance
