Staycations can provide mental health boost

PRINCE GEORGE — The latest project by the Support PG initiative is “staycations”. While it is an opportunity to help local businesses and sites get through a dampened year for tourism, taking some time away from your own home can do wonders for your mental health.

“Even for our own staff here, we have said that even if they aren’t travelling, we still want them taking their vacation because we need them to step away from their [work] lives. Really what we’re talking about is the practice of self-care,” said Mary Lu Spagrud, Manager of Education and Programs and the Prince George Canadian Mental Health Association branch. “Take a break from your everyday life, take a break from work and your responsibilities, reenergize and rejuvenate.”

The Prince George Visitor Centre has been steady since reopening, seeing roughly 30 people a week from both locals and visitors. While a lot of people from PG are asking about options out of town, COVID-19 has presented an opportunity to experience their own community. About three thousand people have already inquired about the Support PG staycations.