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For Your Free Time

Wellness Tip: Go on a Hike

By Postcard Cabins -

The Appalachian Trail begins at Springer Mountain in Georgia, then moves north, crossing 14 states, eight national forests, and six national parks before ending at the peak of Mount Katahdin in Maine. By the time backpackers (known as “thru-hikers”) arrive at Mount Katahdin, they’ve spent at least five straight months trekking along the 2,178-mile trail, the longest marked path in the United States.

The trail got its start a hundred years ago, in 1921, when a Massachusetts forester and conservationist named Benton MacKaye published an article laying out his idea for a walking path across the Appalachian Mountains. He believed that the stress and speed of urban life were bad for people’s health, so he envisioned the trail as a destination for worn-out city dwellers in need of recreation and refreshment in nature. When journalists asked what the trail’s purpose was, MacKaye’s reply was Zen-like in its simplicity: “To walk, to see, and to see what you see.”

In the century since, the pace of city life has only sped up, and we’re spending less and less time outside. MacKaye’s concern for our health, and his proposed solution of getting out into nature for a reset, are as relevant as ever.

While there are plenty of health benefits to hiking, hiking is also a great way to bond with friends and family, there’s a low barrier to entry, and it’s inexpensive. Here are some tips to help you plan and enjoy your next hike from our founder, Jon Staff. For more tips, check out his book “Getting Away: 75 Everyday Practices for Finding Balance in Our Always-On World.”

1. Locate a Nearby Trail 

You don’t need to live in the middle of the wilderness to find good places to hike. Many cities and towns have parks and other greenspaces with walking paths, and you can find good hiking trails just an hour away from many major cities.

2. Warm Up

One of the most common hiking injuries is a sprained ankle, but you can reduce your risk with exercises to expand your range of motion and build core strength, which will help to stabilize you on an uneven trail. Crunches, squats, and lunges will strengthen your core, while a resistance band can help to improve strength and extension.

3. Break in New Footwear in Advance 

Blisters are a buzzkill. If you plan to wear new or rarely used shoes or boots on your hike, spend some time walking around in them in advance. While lightweight hiking shoes might feel comfortable right away, heavier leather boots may take up to a few weeks to soften to the shape of your feet. 

4. Stay Safe 

Check the weather a few hours before you plan to set out. Even if you plan to hike for only a few hours, bring a backpack with water, sunscreen, bug spray, snacks, extra layers, and a basic first aid kit. It’s safer to hike with a partner, but if you’re planning to go out alone, make sure to tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to be back. 

5. Budget Extra Time

Hiking is usually slower than walking, since rugged terrain and changes in elevation will slow your pace. Depending on the landscape and your level of fitness, assume you’ll cover one to two miles of trail per hour. Add an extra hour for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. If you’re new to hiking, start with a shorter, easier trail, and err on the safe side by budgeting in a few extra hours.

Useful Websites for Hikers:

How to Getaway

Wellness Tip: Restorative Yoga for Your Getaway at Postcard Cabins

By Postcard Cabins -

Suzie Vinograd recently enjoyed a getaway at Postcard Cabins Shenandoah, where she took a restorative weekend to enjoy the benefits of nature. We asked Suzie, health and wellness coach — and a celebrated yoga instructor — to share with us some of her essential tips for restoration.

Morning Savasana (and Pranayama) 

I know this might sound counter intuitive since you likely will have been resting all night, but enjoying a few moments of intentional morning savasana (corpse pose) before you actually get out of bed can neutralize, unwind, and relax the body from strange sleeping positions.

Turning the palms to face up alongside of you, allowing the heads of your thigh bones to relax, the feet to splay out naturally, guide yourself through some slow deep, methodical breaths. Beginning your day this way can help to relieve stress by calming the nervous system right from the get-go. Savasana doesn’t have to be saved for the end of a yoga practice to be effective, though it is the pinnacle posture that we’ve all been waiting for after a vigorous flow, too. 

Happy Baby

As you are exiting savasana in the comfort of your bed (or if you have chosen to move to your mat), I highly recommend drawing the knees into the chest, giving yourself a tight little squeeze and rocking easily from side to side, massaging the low back, compressing the creases of the hips and rounding out the cervical spine as you hug your nose in towards your knees.

As you come out of this tight ball, bring the hands to the inside or outer edges of your knees, grabbing hold of your feet and allow yourself to take a little anandabalasana, to stretch the inner groin and length out the spine. Often times we crouch and curl when we sleep, so opening up the body first thing in the morning (or even prior to falling asleep at night) can be a great way to return to neutral, in body and in mind.

Our mind-body often mirrors our physical body (or is it vice versa?), so whether we are conscious of it or not, often times when we care for one, we may feel the benefits affecting the others. 

Morning Sun Salutes

Even when I don’t have time to do a full practice first thing in the morning, I always feel better when I salute the sun upon waking. This doesn’t have to be vigorous, in a heated room, or in a studio to be effective. It can literally be done in the comfort of your living room, at the end of your bed, or better yet, the space right outside of your cabin.

Just roll out your mat, and come to standing at attention (Samasthiti) at the top of your mat. Allow your feet to be hip width distance and your palms to rest at the heart. Allowing your movement to be inspired by your breath is not only restorative and safer for the body – creating space, warmth, and even a bit of strength as you stretch and move through your up dogs and down dogs – but it is deeply restorative for the mind. It can actually take on the quality of a moving meditation if you aim to establish a rhythmic flow. 

Journaling

This isn’t one of the 8 limbs of yoga, but I find journaling before or after (or both) to be deeply restorative. It’s an important piece of repair- to clear the mind and cleanse the body of anything that it may be holding onto – good, bad or in between. I like to think of my yoga practice as one of my tools for pressing pause and returning to neutral, and it’s virtually impossible to return to neutral if you don’t know what could be in the way. Journaling could be free flowing or prompted – it could even begin with a mantra, or simply be a notation of gratitude, which has been scientifically proven to be deeply healing and an important ingredient for our longterm wellbeing. 

Try these restorative yoga practices on your next escape.

About Suzie

I’ve been practicing yoga now for about 13 years and teaching for almost ten. The very first class I ever took was a hot yoga class, Bikram and then a Vinyasa Flow at a studio called Inner Fire in Madison, Wisconsin where I went to school. I quickly became hooked – devoting 2+ hours a day to get there and back (usually by bike from campus, or bus), to practice one or more classes.

Immediately, I started to feel the healing properties of the whole shebang – the flow of the postures, coupled with the music, the intensity of the heat, the wonderful instruction, the group energy – allowed my racing mind to find a temporary sort of ease; allowed my body to unravel all of the mental tension it manifested within, and allowed my heart to soften and surrender a bit. I was developing a discipline and devotion to something that I had not experienced since playing high school sports or my involvement growing up in the performing arts. Little did I know then that yoga would become a hugely integral part of my ‘adult’ path. All this is to say, I practice some form of yoga everyday (there are 8 limbs, so the physical practice, or the asana, is just one), and I have found several of these practices to be deeply restorative in nature, allowing me to reground, reset, and renew.

For more information about my services, or to follow along my spirited journey, you can visit suzievinograd.com.

For Your Free Time

Wellness Tip: Breathwork 101

By Postcard Cabins -

We met Kathleen Booker ahead of a meditation event. We were immediately struck with her calming presence, and her incredibly intentional approach to breathing. She put the whole room to ease.

As she led a group of around 40 of us in a blissful meditation, she invigorated the whole room with her approachability, energy, vitality, and warmth. It is just this spirit that have drawn many towards her. She’s been invited by Oprah to host a breath work healing workshop at a screening event for a documentary around childhood sexual abuse.

As a survivor of abuse herself, Kathleen recognized that the audience was triggered. Dealing with their overwhelmed energy, their anxiety, and their stress, is where Kathleen shines. She’s found the healing power of breath, and she’s living proof of that herself.

We asked Kathleen to give us the rundown on breath work strategies we can use at home, or on your next getaway.

A Note From Kathleen:

The Breath has supported me to release a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety from the trauma…Thanks to the Breath, much healing has taken place within my mind, body and emotions.

I dance with joy in celebration FOR myself…I am CONFIRMATION of the powerful healing of Breathwork.  I have had a personal Breathwork practice for over 15+ years.

Your Breath Heals: mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Now let me be clear, there is still more healing for me to do.  However, I am NOWHERE near where I was 10, 5, or 1 year ago — Thanks to the Breath.

World renowned integrative medicine doctor Andrew Weil, M.D. says “Practicing a regular, mindful breathing exercise can be calming and energizing and can even help with stress-related health problems ranging from panic attacks to digestive disorders.”

Breathwork 101

Medically speaking, Conscious Connected Breathwork releases cortisol/stress from the body and increases the good feeling endorphins in the body.

This is called homeostasis/balance in the body.  With Breathwork, peace will prevail and permeate your mind and body.

Results from Conscious Connected Breathwork:

  • Releases anxiety/stress
  • Enhances sleep
  • Lowers blood pressure
  • Sharpens focus and concentration
  • and MORE!

How is the healing with Breathwork showing up in my life?

Gosh…Can ya say happy?  There is a flow pervading happiness within me that has become my default energy.

And…Synchronicity of incredible opportunities are showing up: being invited to be a healer at Oprah’s event!!!

My relationships are deeply authentic and loving.  I speak my authentic truth with heartfelt ease, and I am boundless energy!!

Breath Heals.

I always share with my clients: life is gonna life…Stuff is gonna happen. 

However, the Breath gives us the ability to respond, not react, to what happens in life.  This is the distinction.  The response comes from a place of inner peace, balance, and focus – that is the power of the Breath.

Your Breath is your key to a Life Lived Vivaciously!

Features | Partnerships

Featured Guests: Photographer and Content Creator, Kyle Huber

By Postcard Cabins -

Earlier this season, Kyle Huber (@asenseofhuber) and Tiffany (@tiffpenguin) took a well-deserved escape to Postcard Cabins Asheboro outpost in North Carolina. After a packed schedule of photoshoots and work trips, they embraced the opportunity to unwind, connect with nature, and explore everything the local area had to offer.

Exploring Asheboro’s Hidden Gems

Kyle and Tiffany kicked off their trip by exploring the surrounding natural beauty, starting with the Pisgah Covered Bridge. This iconic spot is a hidden gem, perfect for a peaceful stroll and snapping some scenic photos. From there, they ventured into the town of Asheboro to visit the North Carolina Zoo, home to a diverse array of wildlife, and took the time to wander through local shops, picking up unique finds. For a delicious meal, they stopped by The Table, a local favorite known for its farm-to-table cuisine, offering a true taste of Asheboro.

Cozy Cabin Vibes at Postcard Cabins

Back at their cozy cabin, Kyle and Tiffany embraced the slower pace of cabin life. They made dinner over the firepit, enjoying the simplicity of a meal cooked outdoors, then spent their evening playing card games by the fire—an unplugged moment of fun and connection.

One of their favorite parts of the stay? The peaceful views of the pond near their cabin, where they could relax and soak in the serenity of their surroundings. As if nature hadn’t offered them enough gifts, the rain brought a delightful surprise—baby frogs! These tiny locals came out to say hello, making for a memorable and heartwarming encounter.

Unplugged, Relaxed, and Reconnected

Kyle and Tiffany’s visit to Postcard Cabins Asheboro was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. From exploring the local attractions to savoring quiet, cozy moments at the cabin, their time away was a refreshing reminder of the simple joys that come with disconnecting from the everyday and reconnecting with nature.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your own fall escape, take a page from Kyle and Tiffany’s adventure. Whether you’re hiking to scenic spots, visiting local towns, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of your cabin, there’s no better time to explore, unwind, and make new memories.

Follow Kyle (@asenseofhuber) and Tiffany (@tiffpenguin) to see more of their adventures, and start planning your own getaway to Postcard Cabins today!

How to Getaway

How to Pack for a Summer Getaway to Postcard Cabins

By Postcard Cabins -

We get a lot of questions from people wondering how to pack for a getaway. The best part about Postcard Cabins is we have almost everything you need waiting for you in your cabin.

You don’t need to worry about linens, shampoo and conditioner, olive oil and salt, or cooking utensils, and we encourage you to bring as little as possible to truly disconnect.

There are some items, though, that are a nice bonus to have around. We’ve put together a packing list of things you just might want for that summer escape.

Hammock

Just because it’s warm out doesn’t mean you can’t still do nothing. Bring along your hammock so you can enjoy the weather and read a good book or just lay back and relax.

Hat and Sun Protection

We all love being outside in the summer, but it’s important to take care of yourself as well. Don’t forget to grab that hat and sunscreen on the way out the door, so you can stay outside for longer. A good general tip is to try to stay out of direct sunlight from 10-4, as that’s when UV rays are the strongest.

Sun protection isn’t limited to sunscreen though – a good pair of sunglasses will go a long way if you’re looking to spend lots of time outdoors.

Bug Spray

For the indoors folks among us, we don’t need to worry so much about this, but if you’re looking to venture out, bug spray is a must. Mosquitos love this time of year, so in order to avoid those pesky bug bites, keep some bug spray handy.

Outdoor Gear for Your Pup

If you’re looking to get away with your favorite canine friend, don’t forget what they need during the summer. Maybe it’s a portable dog bowl to take with you on your hike, or their favorite outdoor toy. This is also the season where pests are particularly active, so making sure your pup is on a flea and tick medication is essential for their long term health.

Your Sense of Adventure

It’s one of our favorite times to get away – going on long walks on sunny warm days, and cooling off in our air-conditioned cabins. There’s no right or wrong way to get away. All you need is a good sense of adventure and excitement for what’s to come.

With these in hand, you’ll have more than enough to enjoy your stay. Don’t be afraid to hide in bed all day though; we do that every time of year.

A Light Layer

Some of the best moments of a stay at Postcard Cabins are spent curled up around a campfire beneath the stars. Make sure to pack a light layer to keep warm while roasting s’mores, swapping stories and lessons, and laughing with those who matter most to you.

Features | Guest Stories | Partnerships

Featured Guests: A Q+A with Dr. Han Ren, Ph.D. on Finding Balance

By Postcard Cabins and Dr. Han Ren, Ph.D. -

If you’ve scrolled through the mental health spaces of Instagram and TikTok, then you’ve probably seen Dr. Han Ren providing her audience with mental health tips and lessons. It’s an honor to share a quick interview we had with her about mental health to spread her knowledge and positivity just a bit farther.

Share a little about your background, what populations you work with, and why you do what you do.
I’m a licensed psychologist with a group private practice based in Austin, Texas. I specialize in working with “overthinking overachievers” (anxiety, perfectionism, people-pleasing), Asian-Americans, and children of immigrants working through racism-related stress and racial identity formation. There’s a large overlap between these groups! My approach to healing is liberation-oriented, systems-informed, and attachment-focused. The majority of my clients are people of the global majority navigating their intersectional identities within systems of oppression and trying to find a balance between fitting in and belonging. I’m also an anti-oppressive educator and mental health content creator. My passion is helping people find ways to heal that center their unique lived experiences, that take into account the very real systems in which we live. 

Which Postcard Cabins Outpost did you visit and what did you do (or not do) while you were there?
I visited the Hill Country location in Wimberley Texas, about an hour outside of Austin. I take an annual Han Soulo (can you tell I love puns?) trip where I spend time alone, connecting to myself. It was rainy during most of my time there, but that wasn’t a deterrent! I loved watching the beautiful midnight thunderstorms through the huge window. I read, journaled, practiced yoga, pulled some tarot cards, and enjoyed the silence. I don’t generally love being alone, but I love that I’m developing my capacity for solitude.

What do you find restorative about getting outdoors?
It’s grounding to be among life in their various forms, that isn’t manufactured and bound by time and man-made structures. It reminds me that life is always happening around us, and there is so much that’s bigger than ourselves. It’s humbling and gives me so much gratitude for the life I get to lead when I’m back in my man-made boundaries. 

@drhanren

How does getting away alone improve your mental health? #getawaypartner

♬ Flowers – Miley Cyrus

How do you find balance in managing life, work, and rest?
I think finding balance is a verb. We’re never going to get to a place where we’re doing it perfectly, we swing too far in any direction, hit a limit, and then correct (and sometimes overcorrect). That’s all just part of the process. As long as I have eyes on all the important domains in my life and am really honest with myself about how much space each of these is taking up, I can find fluidity and calibration along the way.

How does being in nature improve your mental health?
Being in nature allows us to connect to something bigger than us, more primal, grand, universal. It helps my spiritual growth to feel more aligned with the earth. We are animals after all. 

Why is it important for your mental health to unplug and ritualize rest?
We can’t pour from an empty cup! I find that when I’m most bound up by urgency, goals, deadlines, is when I least want to unplug. This is when grounding rituals become so important. We need to have predictability and routine built in that allows us to rest and recharge without needing to think or plan for it. Ideally we should have some routines for this at different intervals (daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, etc.) so it remains a priority and we protect our rest. 

How can we ritualize rest in our daily life when we can’t make time to get away?
There are so many ways to ritualize rest. A morning stretch, a nighttime skincare routine, turning on/off your lights/devices in the same way, exercise, meal prep. All of these can become ritualized parts of our day that involve caring for and nourishing our bodies. 

How to Getaway

How to Pack for a Spring Getaway

By Postcard Cabins -

We get a lot of questions from people wondering how to pack for a getaway to Postcard Cabins. The best part about Postcard Cabins is we have almost everything you need waiting for you in your cabin.

You don’t need to worry about bedding, shower stuff, or cooking utensils and we encourage you to bring as little as possible to truly disconnect.

There are some items, though, that are a nice bonus to have around. We’ve put together a packing list of things you just might want for that warmer weather stay at Postcard Cabins.

Spring Cabin

A Rainjacket

“April showers, May flowers” is a nice phrase, but we know rain can strike at really any moment, especially in the spring. A rainy day is the perfect opportunity to cozy up inside with a good book and a cup of coffee, but in case you’re feeling adventurous, you might want some rain protection nearby.

Campfire Supplies

Now that the weather is warmer, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of a fire pit. Don’t forget to bring those extra hot dogs or the ingredients for your favorite campfire meal. If you need some recipe inspiration or some tips for starting your campfire, we’ve got your back.

Light Layers

The sun might be shining during the day, but it still gets a bit chilly at at nighttime, especially near our Outposts. Don’t forget to bring that extra vest or flannel so you can stay outdoors as long as you’d like.

Bug and Sun Protection

We think spring is the perfect time to head outside, but unfortunately so do the bugs. You might want to throw that bug spray in your bag on your way out the door. While you’re at it, grab the sunscreen too, so you can protect yourself from the bugs and the sun.

A Good Pair of Hiking Boots

Hiking Boots

Now that the snow has started to melt, it’s a great time to check out that hike you’ve been wanting to do. Don’t forget the right shoes though. With the sporadic spring rain, we recommend a pair you don’t mind getting muddy.

With these in hand, you’ll be more than ready to explore. Don’t be afraid to cozy up and do nothing all day though; we love doing that too.

How to Getaway

What’s Inside of Our Cabins

By Postcard Cabins -

Our cozy, tiny cabins are designed to give you the perfect space to recharge. Our cabins have everything you need and nothing you don’t, so you don’t have to think too hard about what you need for your stay. 

Your cabin, lovingly named for the grandparent of a staff member or guest, comes equipped with AC and heat, so it’s always the perfect temperature no matter the season. You’ll also find other thoughtful amenities, like lanterns, books, cards, and provisions, like firewood and fire starter, for purchase.

Feel free to put your devices in the cell phone lockbox and just focus on what’s around you.

The Bed

You can leave the sleeping bag at home — every cabin comes with a luxurious, cozy queen bed. You’ll have white linens, fluffy pillows, and a blanket to keep you warm. Our four-person cabins come with two queen beds that are lofted (so you can fight over the top bunk).

Don’t forget the best part — your bed is by a big window, so you can wake up with a view of nature. If you don’t want to wake up with the sun, just pull down the blinds and sleep in.

The Kitchen

Our kitchens come equipped with everything you need to prepare a meal, so you only have to bring ingredients. We also have provisions available for purchase in our cabins. Here’s a sample of what we offer:

Your kitchen includes:

  • a mini fridge
  • plates, bowls, cups, mugs, and utensils
  • pot, pan, mixing bowl, and kettle
  • cutting board
  • knives and scissors
  • tin foil
  • can opener, bottle opener, and corkscrew
  • lighters
  • paper towels and dish soap
  • salt, pepper, and olive oil
  • coffee creamer and sugar

The Bathroom

The en-suite bathroom is designed with all the essentials, including a hot shower and fluffy towels. Don’t worry about shampoo, conditioner and body wash — we’ve got you covered with Pharmacopia products. 

The Piece of Land

Enjoy your tiny spot in nature — each cabin includes a fire pit, grilling grate, outdoor picnic table and chairs. Note: each destination is designed with a series of individual cabins. While all of our cabins are private, you’ll spot your neighbors through the trees.

Secure Check-In and Check-Out

Our cabins are secured by a digital lock code, which you’ll receive at 2 PM on the day of check-in via text. This makes check in and check out seamless and easy. There’s no front desk, so you don’t have to wait on anyone for access. All your belongings are secure in the cabin, but please take normal precautions as you would when out in nature (don’t leave food out unattended).