In an innovative approach to combating modern burnout, doctors have begun prescribing an unconventional remedy: Sweden. While it may sound like a clever tourism campaign, this nature-based treatment offers genuine benefits for overwhelmed minds. Journalist Annabel Grossman put this Scandinavian prescription to the test during a five-day digital detox in one of Europe's most remote wilderness areas.
The Burnout Breaking Point
By summer 2023, Annabel found herself on the verge of complete burnout. A shocking iPhone alert revealed she'd been averaging 6 hours and 25 minutes of screen time daily, despite considering herself relatively tech-savvy. The constant dopamine hits from Instagram likes, anxious Slack checking and mindless news scrolling had taken their toll.
Her solution was radical: five days backpacking through Swedish Lapland's Kungsleden Trail as part of the Fjällräven Classic organised trek, deliberately leaving her phone behind. This remote region features birch forests, mountain plains, fast-flowing streams and icy lakes, with no road access once you begin the journey between Nikkaluokta and Abisko.
Embracing the Digital Detox
The transition wasn't easy. Sitting in a valley beneath Kebnekaise mountain, Annabel experienced physical discomfort from the 15kg backpack and challenging terrain. Yet more striking than any discomfort was the profound tranquillity that emerged. "The mist sits gently over the valley in the early evening light, while long-tailed skua swoop low past our camp," she observed, noting wild reindeer ambling along nearby ridges.
What made this experience particularly powerful was the complete absence of digital connectivity. The vast majority of the 100km trail between Nikkaluokta and Abisko has no phone service, creating an enforced digital detox whether participants were ready or not.
Technology: Blessing and Curse
Surprisingly, the experience didn't turn Annabel against technology entirely. She recognised smartphones' practical benefits for navigation, emergency communication and maintaining global connections. Even Sebastian Slovin, founder of Nature Unplugged who joined the trek, agreed that technology itself isn't the enemy.
However, Sebastian emphasised the crucial distinction between intentional and compulsive use. "With intention, we can use our devices as tools that enhance our lives. Without intention, it's all too easy to end up in a vortex of nonstop notifications," he explained, noting the serious consequences of being constantly "on," including stress, fatigue, burnout and deteriorating mental health.
Nature's Healing Power
The wilderness provided the perfect antidote to technology overload. Sebastian confirmed that "spending just a few minutes in nature boosts positive emotions, reduces blood pressure, heart rate, and cortisol levels." Initially distracted by physical challenges like cold temperatures and sore feet, Annabel soon found solace in the rhythm of steady hiking and sleeping with natural sunlight.
Human connections flourished without digital interruptions. Bonds formed quickly as the group worked together to pitch tents, bandage blisters and navigate the trail. Annabel discovered she learned more Spanish from listening to Chilean and Brazilian hikers than from her 907-day Duolingo streak, and practical help from fellow trekkers proved more valuable than any online tutorial.
Life After the Prescription
Months after returning home, Annabel admits her bedroom isn't tech-free, and she still checks her phone frequently. However, the experience provided lasting perspective. Nature serves as a powerful antidote to digital overload, and she plans regular hiking trips to maintain balance.
For those inspired to try their own Swedish prescription, the Kungsleden Trail offers varying difficulty levels, with the section between Nikkaluokta and Abisko taking approximately four and a half days to complete. The highest point at Tjäktja Pass reaches 1,150 metres above sea level, manageable for anyone of reasonable fitness.
Planning Your Swedish Prescription
Kiruna serves as the best airport for accessing the Kungsleden Trail, requiring a connection through Stockholm from UK airports like London, Edinburgh or Manchester. Transfer buses run frequently to both Nikkaluokta and Abisko, taking 1-1.5 hours and costing from SEK499 (£38).
Accommodation options include Hotel Arctic Eden in Kiruna for pre-trek stays and the welcoming Abisko Mountain Lodge for post-hike recovery, complete with traditional Swedish sauna to soothe trail-weary muscles.
As Visit Sweden promotes activities like wild swimming, sauna bathing and sleeping under the stars as part of their wellness prescription, this Scandinavian approach to mental health demonstrates that sometimes the best medicine doesn't come in a bottle, but in embracing the healing power of nature.
