Americans are stressed, that's a fact. The way the American work schedule is set up can be very stressful and anxiety-inducing, and even harmful to your health. By working everyday nine to five, the weekend is not enough time to recharge. In fact, 25% of people feel that work is the number one stressor in their life. Stress can affect your immune system, your sleep, heart health, memory, and more. It also plays a major role in mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety. We spend so much time working that we forget about the world around us, which in turn can make our world feel very small. That’s why it’s important to get out of your environment and explore a little. The best thing you can do to combat stress is to take a little vacation. Even if the trip is right in your hometown. Who doesn’t love a little mental health staycation?

Cider Hill Farm

Fresh apple cider, hayrides, apple picking, and all things fall. That’s what you can expect from a visit to the award-winning Cider Hill Farm, located about 45 minutes from Woburn, it’s the perfect fall day trip. Upon arrival, you may start your visit at the farm store and pick up some fresh pies, cider, and donuts. 

Then, you can explore the grounds and pick your next activity. They have activities for all ages. You can hit the apple orchard and pick a peck of apples, then head over to the live music on the weekends and grab some cider and a bite from the food truck. The perfect combination to help you leave your stress behind and participate in some fall festivities and flavors. Check out their events calendar to see what’s coming up.

House of the Seven Gables

The House of the Seven Gables is a Historical Landmark which was the home of John and Elizabeth Turner in 1668, and the setting of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s infamous novel The House of Seven Gables, written in 1851. The novel was about a family who lived there during the Salem witch trials. It is currently Trip Advisor’s number one attraction in Salem. The house has beautiful grounds with lush gardens, perfect to relax and recharge. They have guided tours and events such as film festivals, and themed audio tours. You can check out upcoming events here.

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary

This protected wildlife sanctuary is a beautiful place to hike, walk, kayak, birdwatch, and more. It contains 12 miles of trails, and is made up of wetlands, meadows, forests, and of course the Ipswich River. Perfect for a mental health walk! They have canoe rentals, day camps, and events. They even have restoration projects, where people can come and help restore the natural habitats for the wildlife, primarily the pollinators and birds. Soak up the natural beauty of fall and bring some tranquility into your day with a trip to the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary.

Salem, MA

Ditch your reality for a day and take a trip into Witch City for a historical adventure. In Salem, there are countless things to see and do, especially during spooky season. One of those attractions is The Witch House, which is the only building still standing today with ties to the Salem witch trials. It was the home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, a judge during the witch trials who sent 19 innocent people to the gallows. They have events there, and times where you can tour the house and its grounds. Tickets are first come, first serve. Another fun and spooky place to visit in Salem is the Witch Dungeon Museum, where you can watch a live adaptation of a witch trial, and get a tour of the dungeon.

Seven Seas Whale Watch

About 45 minutes east of Woburn is the 7 Seas Whale Watch, where you’ll take a boat from Gloucester to Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary and get to see a variety of marine life. While on the journey, you may see Humpback whales, Right whales, dolphins, seals, Blue whales, and more. What could be more enthralling and tranquil than seeing some of the most beautiful sea creatures in the world? Be sure to pack your camera and some extra layers in case it gets chilly, and plan for about 4 hours of whale watching.

Horn Pond

Horn Pond is a beautiful place to relax and recharge, and isn’t too far from home if you’re coming from Woburn. It’s a gorgeous place any time of year, but definitely in the fall. It’s a 102-acre lake that is surrounded by a 2.4 mile trail loop, perfect for a leisurely nature walk, plus you can kayak and canoe in the pond. It also has a great view of Woburn, and you may even see some swans, according to some reviews.

Woburn Community Gardens

Take a trip in your own neighborhood over to the community gardens. They are actually located right at Horn Pond, so you can do two trips in one! They are sponsored by the Woburn Conservation Commission. You may tend to your very own plot at the gardens by committing to caring for it for at least 5 hours a week and paying a fee, and the plot is yours for this season and next. If you aren't interested in planting in your own plot, you can take a stroll through and admire the gardens, too. This can be a great opportunity to relieve some stress and get some ecotherapy in. 

Stress can take a toll on our mental health. It can negatively impact our quality of life, and cause us not to enjoy the little things anymore. It is important to take the time to get to know our environment and get away from our stressors. Even taking a day trip less than an hour from your home can give you the time you need to unwind and bring some joy into your life. 

If you are in need of help or support, don’t hesitate to reach out. 

At Northeast Health Services, there are openings for adult and child psychiatry. They treat conditions like anxiety, OCD, depression, bulimia, bipolar disorder, and many more. They are located across the southeast region of Massachusetts and are available when you need them. Reach out today to find the help you need from people who care.