If you work in a lab, you know the sound. The hum of the analyzers. The constant ring of the phone. The “stat” alerts.
After a week of 12-hour shifts, my brain is usually fried.
For me, the antidote isn’t Netflix. It’s silence.
The Bonita Canyon Ritual
Living in Willcox, Arizona, gives me access to some incredible landscapes. My go-to escape is Bonita Canyon Campground in the Chiricahua National Monument.
It’s not about doing anything fancy. It’s about the simple act of setting up a tent, firing up the grill, and waiting for the stars to come out.
My Setup: Low Stress, High Reward
I don’t hike 20 miles into the backcountry. I believe in “Comfort Camping.”
- The Ride: I usually bring my Aventon Soltera.2 E-bike. It’s perfect for cruising the park roads without exhausting myself. The electric assist makes the hills easy, so I can just enjoy the view.
- The Tech (Yes, I bring tech): I bring my Sony Alpha 6700 to capture the rock formations and the night sky. Photography forces you to slow down and look at the details—the opposite of rushing samples in the lab.
Why You Need a “Third Place”
Sociologists say we all need a “Third Place”—a spot that isn’t work and isn’t home. For some, it’s a coffee shop. For me, it’s a campsite.
If you are burning out in healthcare, find your canyon. It doesn’t have to be camping. It just has to be away.
Watch the Vlog: (Embed your YouTube video from Bonita Canyon here if you have one)
The “Shop The Trip” Block (Code)
🌲 My Camping Essentials
The gear I trust in the Arizona desert.
