Take two painkillers and call me from the sauna: that could well be advice dished out by doctors in Sweden, which is positioning itself as a leader in prescribing nature as medicine.
It follows the results of an international survey by YouGov that showed two out of three respondents would be open to spending more time outdoors if it were prescribed by a doctor.
“Nature, social settings and culture have restorative powers, and evidently, Sweden has these assets in abundance,” said Stacy Beller Stryer, associate medical director at ParkRXAmerica, a non-profit organization that promotes park visits as a way to prevent and treat chronic disease and promote wellness.
So-called nature prescriptions have been growing in popularity as a preventive healthcare strategy, with studies showing benefits for physical and mental health.
The mindful, meditative practice of forest bathing is thought to be therapeutic in Sweden.
“We have made great strides in making nature prescription a more integral part of public health,” Bell Stryers said. “But there is much more to be done.
“I welcome Sweden’s initiative and hope it will break down institutional and organizational barriers, ultimately benefiting all patients.”
Highly regarded for its natural environment and healthy lifestyle, Sweden is pioneering the concept of travel as a turbocharger for health and wellbeing.
The Visit Sweden tourism board claims it is “the first country in the world prescribed by doctors” and has compiled a list of scientifically vetted activities that can be recommended.
“The Swedish lifestyle naturally promotes wellbeing — from the free access to our stunning forests and lakes, to the fresh air, cooler summers, wholesome fika breaks and our vibrant culture life,” said Susanne Andersson, CEO at Visit Sweden.
For more information, visit www.visitsweden.com/the-swedish-prescription
Searching for the best hotel prices for your next trip? Check out YourTravelDeals.ca for exclusive savings on over one million hotels worldwide. Sign-up is free.