Grapefruitprincess ReLoaded: How to Alleviate Pandemic-Related Stress // Visit Sweden Shares Tips!

Thursday, October 1, 2020

How to Alleviate Pandemic-Related Stress // Visit Sweden Shares Tips!

Lockdowns, isolation, and working from home have caused elevated levels of stress for many people: 45% of Americans say they experience anxiety because of the pandemic, according to a UN report. But there are ways to alleviate the stress. Research shows that spending time in nature lowers stress levels – one of the many benefits of grabbing a few minutes to enjoy some greenery or planning a getaway in the great outdoors. 

ArkNat
Photo: Martin Edström/imagebank.sweden.se

The positive effects were tested through Visit Sweden’s very own initiative, “The 72-Hour Cabin,” with participants from major cities who had demanding jobs. They were examined before and after spending three consecutive days in the Swedish countryside where they slept in glass cabins next to water. The study proved that being outdoors surrounded only by nature dramatically reduced negative emotions and lowered stress levels. 

A 72 hour cabin on the Henriksholm island in Dalsland, West Sweden. To explore the effects of the unique relationship Swedes have with nature, Sweden did a case study in September 2017. Five people with some of the most stressful jobs got to experience Sweden’s 'close to nature' lifestyle, whilst their well-being was measured by leading researchers. During the study, the participants stayed in custom-built cabins made of glass to be as close to nature as possible. After 72 hours, they all showed a decrease in blood pressure, stress levels and heart rate - and they became more creative too.
Photo: Anna-Lena Lundqvist / imagebank.sweden.se

In Sweden, 70% of the country is covered with forest, and nature is easy to reach, with open fields and meadows, old-growth forests, quiet lakes, miles of coastlines, and thousands of islands. Swedes have a unique Freedom to Roam, The Right of Public Access (‘Allemansrätt’), which maintains that everyone has the right to walk, cycle, ride, ski and camp on any land. It is no wonder Swedes maintain an unusually close relationship to nature and draw from the healing power of spending time outside. “Natural environments are an important resource for meeting the health challenges in our society. Research shows that time spent outdoors reduces negative emotions and stress, and promotes positive emotions, mental recovery, and performance,” says Cecilia Stenfors, a researcher at the Aging Research Center at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and the University of Chicago, USA. 

Bergaliv Loft House is a getaway on the hillside of Åsberget mountain in the north of Sweden.
Photo: Martin Edström/imagebank.sweden.se

As nature experiences are an effective way to provide a bit of normality after months of pandemic-related stress, anxiety, and loneliness, below are five ways to incorporate a bit of green in your life, as illustrated by the Swedes: 
  • You only need twenty minutes in nature to reduce stress, so there is no excuse not to pop outside for a few moments, even a lunch time walk will help clear your mind. 
  • Boost your mental health by taking your meal outside. Swedes dine al fresco nearly all year round and enjoy foraging in nature’s own pantry. For further inspiration, check out Visit Sweden’s outdoor dining and do-it-yourself cooking concept, Edible Country
  • Swedes love outdoor activities like cooking, hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking, with proven long-lasting effects on their well-being. Pick up a hobby that gets you moving outside! 
  • We know to eat our greens but spending time in green areas also has a positive impact on our health. According to a meta-analysis from the University of East Anglia, published in Environmental Research, nature can lower your blood pressure, cortisol, and heart rate. For those living in cities, even surrounding yourself with indoor plants or gazing at pictures or videos of nature can be soothing. Try these VR films.
  • When the time is right, book a trip to enjoy Sweden’s lush landscape and stay high up in the Tree Hotel, or experience a glass cabin, house boat, or maybe even a lighthouse. Let this list and image gallery of engaging experiences and unique accommodations in nature guide and inspire you to find balance after this turbulent time.

The Falcon´s Nest (Falknästet) at Kullaberg, is a former observation post by the light house Kullens Fyr. It’s located on the cliffs with a stunning view over Kattegat Sea.
Photo: Mickael Tannus/imagebank.sweden.se



The houseboat at Naturbyn is situated in the quiet lake Eldan in Värmland.
Photo: Martin Edström/imagebank.sweden.se

1 comment :

  1. Hi Anni,

    It is really impressive what a positive impact nature can have on our body and mind. I wish I could go to such a place right now. Thank you for your article with all its information!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I love reading them all and will try my best to answer all of your questions. If you would like to contact me for a quicker response please feel free to tweet me at (@grfrprincess), message me on Instagram (@anni_s) or email me. ~Anni

How to Alleviate Pandemic-Related Stress // Visit Sweden Shares Tips!

Lockdowns, isolation, and working from home have caused elevated levels of stress for many people: 45% of Americans say they experience anxiety because of the pandemic, according to a UN report. But there are ways to alleviate the stress. Research shows that spending time in nature lowers stress levels – one of the many benefits of grabbing a few minutes to enjoy some greenery or planning a getaway in the great outdoors. 

ArkNat
Photo: Martin Edström/imagebank.sweden.se

The positive effects were tested through Visit Sweden’s very own initiative, “The 72-Hour Cabin,” with participants from major cities who had demanding jobs. They were examined before and after spending three consecutive days in the Swedish countryside where they slept in glass cabins next to water. The study proved that being outdoors surrounded only by nature dramatically reduced negative emotions and lowered stress levels. 

A 72 hour cabin on the Henriksholm island in Dalsland, West Sweden. To explore the effects of the unique relationship Swedes have with nature, Sweden did a case study in September 2017. Five people with some of the most stressful jobs got to experience Sweden’s 'close to nature' lifestyle, whilst their well-being was measured by leading researchers. During the study, the participants stayed in custom-built cabins made of glass to be as close to nature as possible. After 72 hours, they all showed a decrease in blood pressure, stress levels and heart rate - and they became more creative too.
Photo: Anna-Lena Lundqvist / imagebank.sweden.se

In Sweden, 70% of the country is covered with forest, and nature is easy to reach, with open fields and meadows, old-growth forests, quiet lakes, miles of coastlines, and thousands of islands. Swedes have a unique Freedom to Roam, The Right of Public Access (‘Allemansrätt’), which maintains that everyone has the right to walk, cycle, ride, ski and camp on any land. It is no wonder Swedes maintain an unusually close relationship to nature and draw from the healing power of spending time outside. “Natural environments are an important resource for meeting the health challenges in our society. Research shows that time spent outdoors reduces negative emotions and stress, and promotes positive emotions, mental recovery, and performance,” says Cecilia Stenfors, a researcher at the Aging Research Center at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden, and the University of Chicago, USA. 

Bergaliv Loft House is a getaway on the hillside of Åsberget mountain in the north of Sweden.
Photo: Martin Edström/imagebank.sweden.se

As nature experiences are an effective way to provide a bit of normality after months of pandemic-related stress, anxiety, and loneliness, below are five ways to incorporate a bit of green in your life, as illustrated by the Swedes: 
  • You only need twenty minutes in nature to reduce stress, so there is no excuse not to pop outside for a few moments, even a lunch time walk will help clear your mind. 
  • Boost your mental health by taking your meal outside. Swedes dine al fresco nearly all year round and enjoy foraging in nature’s own pantry. For further inspiration, check out Visit Sweden’s outdoor dining and do-it-yourself cooking concept, Edible Country
  • Swedes love outdoor activities like cooking, hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking, with proven long-lasting effects on their well-being. Pick up a hobby that gets you moving outside! 
  • We know to eat our greens but spending time in green areas also has a positive impact on our health. According to a meta-analysis from the University of East Anglia, published in Environmental Research, nature can lower your blood pressure, cortisol, and heart rate. For those living in cities, even surrounding yourself with indoor plants or gazing at pictures or videos of nature can be soothing. Try these VR films.
  • When the time is right, book a trip to enjoy Sweden’s lush landscape and stay high up in the Tree Hotel, or experience a glass cabin, house boat, or maybe even a lighthouse. Let this list and image gallery of engaging experiences and unique accommodations in nature guide and inspire you to find balance after this turbulent time.

The Falcon´s Nest (Falknästet) at Kullaberg, is a former observation post by the light house Kullens Fyr. It’s located on the cliffs with a stunning view over Kattegat Sea.
Photo: Mickael Tannus/imagebank.sweden.se



The houseboat at Naturbyn is situated in the quiet lake Eldan in Värmland.
Photo: Martin Edström/imagebank.sweden.se

1 comment :

  1. Hi Anni,

    It is really impressive what a positive impact nature can have on our body and mind. I wish I could go to such a place right now. Thank you for your article with all its information!

    ReplyDelete

Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I love reading them all and will try my best to answer all of your questions. If you would like to contact me for a quicker response please feel free to tweet me at (@grfrprincess), message me on Instagram (@anni_s) or email me. ~Anni