ANALYTICAL ENGLISH 解析英語(常春藤)

A Swedish Approach to Rest and Recovery (1/2) 瑞典式生活　自然文化是藥　保持距離是禮（上）

Most prescriptions come with a list of side effects. The Swedish Prescription, however, offers pine-scented air, the slow rhythm of Nordic life, and the idea that recovery can happen in a forest rather than a clinic.

Launched by Visit Sweden, this initiative was created in cooperation with medical professionals willing to prescribe a stay in Sweden if they consider it helpful for a patient’s well-being. This has made Sweden the first country to be offered on prescription. For global reach, the official website provides a downloadable document, allowing patients everywhere to discuss the possibility of a Swedish retreat with their doctors.

With forests covering nearly 70% of Sweden, nature is the program’s primary clinic. Its plentiful forests and clean air can offer relief to people suffering from stress and anxiety. Spending time in green spaces has been linked to reduced blood pressure and improved concentration. This healing effect extends to urban environments, where many cities are built for walking and cycling. Engaging in these activities can benefit both cardiovascular and mental health.

Photo: AdobeStock I 照片：AdobeStock

Swedish social customs and cultural life offer another path to managing stress. A prominent part of this is “fika,” a coffee-and-cake ritual where people get together for a communal break and share pleasant conversation. This tradition allows people to connect with others without pressure. The program also encourages patients to find peace in taking in art, whether in a renowned museum or through public installations scattered across the country. These brief cultural encounters have been proven to lower stress and lift patients’ moods. From lush forests to cozy cafes and grand museums, Sweden aims to care for the mind as well as the body.

大多數處方藥都會附上一張條列副作用的清單。但瑞典處方提供的是松香瀰漫的空氣、北歐生活緩慢的步調，以及療癒不是在診所，而是能在森林裡進行的概念。

　這項新計畫由 Visit Sweden（編按：瑞典觀光局）發起，是在與醫療專業人士的合作下所創，若他們認為瑞典處方有益於患者健康，便會樂意開給患者瑞典之行的處方。瑞典也因此成為醫師可開立處方箋建議旅遊的首個國家。為了觸及全球患者，官方網站提供可下載的文件，讓各地患者都能與醫師探討在瑞典靜養的可能性。

瑞典近七成國土有森林覆蓋，大自然是該企劃的主要診所。豐富的森林資源和清新空氣能讓飽受壓力和焦慮折磨的人們得到舒緩。花時間在綠地徜徉已被證實與血壓降低和專注力提升有關。這種療癒效果也適用於城市環境，許多城市都設計成適合步行和自行車騎乘。從事這些活動對心血管和心理健康都有益。

瑞典的社會習俗和文化生活也為應對壓力提供了另一種途徑。其中一個重要部分是「fika」，這是一種享用咖啡和蛋糕的儀式，人們聚在一起共度休息時光、進行愉快的交談。這項傳統讓人們能在無壓力的氛圍中與他人聯繫感情。該計畫還鼓勵患者欣賞藝術來獲得平靜，無論是在知名博物館或是透過遍布全國的公共藝術裝置都可以。這些短暫的文化體驗已被證實可以減輕壓力、提振患者的心情。從鬱鬱蔥蔥的森林到舒適的咖啡館和宏偉的博物館，瑞典致力於照顧人們的身體與心理健康。

To be continued tomorrow（明日待續）

https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/lang

Words In Use

1. initiative n. 新計畫，新措施

The city government started an initiative to reduce plastic waste.

市政府發起了一項減少塑膠垃圾的新計畫。

2. professional n. 專業人士

The brand hired professionals to design the website.

該品牌聘請專業人士來設計網站。

3. document n. 文件

David sent a document to his boss by email this morning.

大衛今天早上用電子郵件寄了文件給他的老闆。

4. retreat n. 靜養，靜修（可數或不可數）；僻靜地（可數）

My sister went on a weekend retreat in the mountains to relax and recharge.

我妹週末去山上靜養，好好放鬆充電。

The writer rented a lakeside retreat to work on her novel.

這位作家租了一個湖邊的僻靜處來專心寫小說。

5. plentiful a. 豐富的，大量的

The island has plentiful sunlight, which is great for solar power.

這座島嶼日照充足，利於太陽能發電。

Practical Phrases

1. in cooperation with. . .　與……合作

cooperation n. 合作

We organized the event in cooperation with the local community.

我們與當地社區合作舉辦了這項活動。

2. engage in. . .　從事∕進行……（活動等）

Students are encouraged to engage in sports after school.

學生被鼓勵在課後從事運動。

3. take in... / take. . . in　欣賞∕觀覽……

We sat on the beach to take in the sunset.

我們坐在沙灘上欣賞日落。

4. lift sb’s mood　提振某人的心情

A kind word from a friend can often lift your mood.

朋友的一句溫柔話語往往能讓你心情好轉。

What Did You Learn?

1. Why does the author mention “side effects” in the first paragraph of the Day 1 passage?

(A) To list the official risks of the tourism initiative.

(B) To report the official results of the recovery process.

(C) To explain why some patients struggle with a slow pace of life.

(D) To contrast the pleasant Swedish experience with typical drug reactions.

2. Which of the following is true about the Swedish Prescription?

(A) It depends primarily on physical training like cycling.

(B) It is only available to patients currently living in Sweden.

(C) It allows doctors to recommend travel as a healing method.

(D) It was developed by a group of private hospitals in Sweden.