“Lose yourself in nature and find peace.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Nature has a way of making you feel better in any circumstance, and being able to enjoy it while close to home is an even better feeling. Breathing in the fresh air and feeling the sunshine on your face can make you feel better. It is a good way to get out of your head and feel serene. There is more than one place to go if you want to enjoy nature. For example, you could go to a park, a nature center, or a botanical garden to name a few, but there is no wrong way to enjoy nature. If you are in or visiting the Sudbury, MA area here are our top 3 places where you can enjoy nature. 

• Garden in the Woods - a 45-acre native plant botanic garden
• Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge - a 2,230-acre protected National Wildlife Refuge
• Callahan State Park - a 958 acre public recreation area

Garden in the Woods

The Garden in the Woods is a botanical garden located at 180 Hemenway Road in Framingham, MA 01701. If you go here you will discover the beauty of native plants in the area, while in a naturally dramatic landscape. We would recommend actually visiting that way so you can get the full benefit of being in nature. However, if you are unable to visit in person they offer a virtual visit to the botanical garden. 

There is a main garden path which is a mile long and has a crushed gravel surface. It requires about an hour to an hour and a half to walk it. However, there are benches placed throughout the route. Keep in mind that the terrain is rugged and has a steep slope at the entrance and exit. 

Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge

This refuge is one of eight refuges that consist of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. This refuge is located at 680 Hudson Road, Sudbury, MA, 01776-1971. At Assabet River National Wildlife Refuge visitors can emerge themselves in nature with a lot of acres to explore, a variety of species to observe, and lots of year-round activities to enjoy which include:

• Hiking
• Biking
• Fishing
• Cross country skiing
• And more… 

Visiting here can give you a chance to unplug from technology and get out of your head while reconnecting with natural surroundings. 

Callahan State Park

This state park is mainly used for hiking, horseback riding, and walking. It also offers open fields and ponds, as well as 7 miles of marked trails and a dog park. They also offer activities such as mountain biking, fishing, and cross country skiing. It is located at 1048 Edmands Rd, Framingham, MA 01701. Just taking a walk outdoors can instantly boost your mood and give you the opportunity to relax. 

How to Combat Depression in Nature

If you find yourself dealing with depression and are unsure about how to go about combating it, nature can help. Here are few ideas of how nature can help your mental health:

• Improves your mood
• Reduces feelings of anger or stress
• Helps you take time out and relax
• Improves your physical health
• Improves your confidence and self-esteem
• Helps you be more active
• Helps you to meet and get to know more people
• Connects you to your local community
• Reduces feelings of loneliness

Spending time in nature cannot only impact your mental health in a positive way but it can also positively impact your physical health. Even being around animals can help you calm down and feel more relaxed. 

There is Help If You Are Struggling

Nature alone may not be enough help if you are struggling with depression. Do not worry though because there are people out there to help. You do not have to suffer alone. Places like Transformations Care Network at Northeast Health Services are there to help with whatever you may need to get better. They offer multiple locations around the Massachusetts area with more coming soon. It is always important to remember to not self-diagnose and if you believe you may be experiencing symptoms of depression talk to your health professional or a mental health professional. 

Since there is still such a stigma around talking about mental health issues, you may find it difficult to meet with a mental health professional. However, there are a lot of people out there who are there that are willing to help you with any mental health problems you may be having. Your mental health is just as important as your physical health, and you should not ignore it if you are having struggles mentally. 

Ways To Boost Your Mental Health

There are multiple ways you can go about boosting your mental health. Some examples of ways to boost your mental health include:

• Eating a healthy diet
• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising regularly 
• Taking breaks from technology
• Practicing relaxation techniques
• Connecting with others
• Doing something you enjoy
• Helping others 
• Seeking professional help
• Taking care of your physical health

These are just a few examples of ways that you can take care of your emotional well-being and boost your mental health. All of these are good things to do even if you are not struggling with your mental health. There are many other ways to achieve this, such as enjoying nature or even just getting outside can be beneficial for your mental health. Keep in mind that you are not alone and people want to see you happy and healthy. You do not have to struggle in silence and talking with a mental health professional can help and going out to enjoy nature can have so many benefits.