3 Places to Relax in Metrowest, MA if You Have Anxiety

 3 Places to Relax in Metrowest, MA if You Have Anxiety

Lauren Chapin, LICSW

The anxious brain can be likened to the backyard bumblebee; buzzing around, darting quickly from place to place, and when fearful enough, stinging us. Unlike our friendly neighborhood pollinators, however, the places our brains fly to are not always as welcoming (or as helpful!). Getting caught up in our anxious thoughts can limit our ability to engage with the world around us. Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend and suddenly found yourself a million miles away thinking about something that hasn’t even happened yet? Me too. 

While it is difficult to pull ourselves into the present moment when anxiety takes hold, it is beneficial that we do so to give our brains a break from the constant teeter-totter between past and future. One great way to do this is to engage our senses through nature. If you find yourself in need of a brain-break, check out some of these beautiful spots around Metrowest!


Rocky Narrows, Sherborn 

Sitting on 274 acres, Rocky Narrows in Sherborn is known as the “Gate of the Charles.” Whether it be to hike their 7 miles of trails, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll along the river, this is a great spot to unwind. See if you can notice the smell of the pine trees, hear the rush of water, or touch their ancient cliff walls (650 million years old!). 

Rocky Narrows is free to the public and allows dogs both on leash and off. Dogs are notoriously good at being in the present moment. Bring along your furry friend and see if you can imagine what it must be like to experience the park from their perspective. 

For an added bonus, rate your anxiety before and after on a scale of 1-10; did you notice any difference? 

Garden in the Woods, Framingham

 This next location gives you a chance to stop and smell the flowers; quite literally! At the Garden in the Woods in Framingham, a mile-long path loops through the botanical gardens, taking about an hour to an hour and a half to complete. Here, you are met with the opportunity to take in the sights and smells of the local flora of our region. To bring yourself into the present moment, see if you can complete the rainbow with the colors around you. 

If you’re anything like me, you may still have some difficulty connecting due to all of that brain chatter, and that’s okay! One unique feature of this garden space is that they offer seasonal guided audio tours through their app. Pop in your earbuds and try to focus on the content of the tour; you may be surprised at how immersive the experience is. Of note, there is an admission fee with a discount for children and seniors (free for children under 5). Also, this time we’ll unfortunately be leaving our dogs at home as they do not allow animals. 

Noon Hill, Medfield 

If a view is what you’re after, Noon Hill is the perfect place to find it. Standing 370 feet at its peak, Noon Hill overlooks the surrounding towns of Walpole and Norfolk (you can even see Gillette stadium in the distance!). As you ascend, a Spring climb will have you winding through a forest floor covered in wildflowers. In the Fall, the Birch and Beech trees that litter the landscape offer a beautiful display of New England foliage. 

With four and a half miles of hiking trails on this 204 acre property, there is plenty of space and time to stroll and reflect. Alternatively, there are more strenuous paths to take as well if a bit of cardio is in order. Exercise is a beneficial part of managing anxiety as it aids in concentration, decreases overall body tension, improves mood, and positively impacts sleep. If you don’t feel up to a more rigorous climb, that’s okay too! According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, even a 10 minute walk may be just as beneficial as a 45 minute work out. 


Whether you choose a river walk, a flower garden, or a hill-hike, these beautiful areas offer you the opportunity to unplug and recharge.