Last month, Post columnist Dana Milbank hiked part of the Appalachian Trail with his brother. Along the way, he detached from the news and reacquainted himself with nature. In the process, he received a real-life lesson about how the world around us can reduce cognitive fatigue and enhance well-being. He reflects on his journey in a recent essay.

Check out some of the other columns about Milbank’s adventures in nature:

Dana Milbank: Technology broke our connection to nature. Here is a way back.

Dana Milbank: Nature’s lesson for the politically worried: Spring will come again

Dana Milbank: My new tractor will either extend my life or end it quickly

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Can nature help fix our brains?

Reasonably Optimistic

Can nature help fix our brains?