Mike runs mindfulness and wellness groups with the Men’s Shed, Grenville Hub and John McVeity Centre, which he says “provides an opportunity for his participants to explore their feelings and feel.”

During the temporary closure of Playford’s community centres in-line with COVID-19 restrictions, Mike supported his regular participants through phone calls, text messages and online groups so they had the tools to cope with their thoughts during the pandemic.

Mike also supports Playford Connected, a new service which makes phone calls to vulnerable people in our community to ensure they remain connected and engaged, reducing their risk

of social isolation.

If you would like to talk to someone, call Playford Connected on 8256 0377. If you are in crisis, reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14.

With many people experiencing increased stress and anxiety as they adapt to new routines, experience financial pressures and worry about the health and wellbeing of family and friends, we asked Mike to share some basic mindfulness techniques. Here’s what he had to say:

1. Stop – take a deep breathe. Now slowly breathe in and out five times.
2. Go outside and look at a tree, bird, flower, something in nature. Now just explore, be present in the moment.
3. Make an informed choice of what news and information you watch and read. Continuous news can feed your anxiety, take a moment to step away.
4. Pamper yourself! Take a hot bath, get your beard trimmed or do a face mask at home. Do something to look after yourself.
5. Wake up grateful. Get into the routine of telling yourself a few things you’re grateful for as soon as you wake up. Just before you wake up is the best time to install positivity.

Read the latest edition of Playford News magazine here.