Check out for a little while

And recharge your brain!

Do you ever feel burnt out? Does it feel like the font of your creativity just dried up and left you in search of a new source? It happens to all of us, especially when you are starting your own business.  Actually, it’s bound to happen to you when you’re running your own business because you are doing so much of the work yourself, rather than being able to delegate certain things to others.  Rather than get frustrated or search in vain for ways to dig a new wellspring of creativity, check out for a little while and recharge your brain.

In this post, I’m going to share with you my secret for recharging your brain, and I promise, it doesn’t take a week at an all inclusive exclusive resort or a ton of time or money.

My Secret: All you need is a little bit of time, and a healthy dose of nature. 

Yup.  It’s just that easy.  My friends, there is an entire world of nature around you, so I promise that you won’t have to go far.  Just 45 minutes outside the city of Pittsburgh, in just about any direction will put you in proximity to great hiking.  Heck even inside the city you can find amazing parks.  Take a stroll, plan a day hike, go car camping or even try a short backpacking trip if you have the gear.  Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you.

Chris and I had begun to feel a bit sluggish and bored with our routines, with me working on my business and Christ studying countless hours for the nursing boards.  We knew that we needed to do something and fast.  It just so happened that we had a free Saturday and Sunday so we pounced on the opportunity to get out into the woods.  We drove North, just past Grove City and the outlets to a beautiful little area along the Allegheny River, called Kennerdell.  The area was home to Native Americans in 6,500 BC and since then has been settled and used for a number of different industries such as logging, oil, woolen mills and transporting goods down the Allegheny to Pittsburgh and even Louisiana!

Kennerdell now is a beautiful protected woodland area, with an incredible creek that runs through the valley.  The trials are wide and great for any level of hiker.  Mountain bikers love the area as well.  My only caution is that if you don’t like hills, you might be a little grumpy.  We camped in the valley but hiked up to the overlook.  Oh my was it worth it.  Not only did the handy signs provide the history of the area, but the view is just stunning.  We spent about one day and one night total in the woods, hiking, playing with the dog on his first camping trip, and relaxing in the hammock.  And now we’re recharged, refreshed and taking on the day.  Not a bad feeling for a Monday, I have to admit it.

You don’t have to huff it all the way to Kennerdell.  Instead, get out of the office and take a walk.  Visit one of the many parks accessible to the public.  In Pittsburgh, we are blessed with so many different beautiful green spaces.  Just a little bit of time outside will help you clear your head.  A little bit of exercise goes a long way to reinvigorating your body, mind and spirit.  Whether you’re working for yourself or working hard for someone else, you owe it to yourself and to your work to take care of your body and mind, so that your productivity and health don’t suffer.