Creating Midlife Calm: Coping Skills for Stress & Anxiety in Family, Work & Relationships

MJ Murray Vachon LCSW
  • 5.0 (1)
  • MENTAL HEALTH

Coping Skills for Midlife Stress and Anxiety in Family, Work & Relationships Forget the midlife crisis—how about creating midlife calm? The anxiety and stress of this life stage can drain your energy, fuel overthinking, and make it hard to enjoy what should be the best years of your life. This podcast offers practical coping skills to help you reduce anxiety, manage stress, and rediscover a calmer, more confident version of yourself. In Creating Midlife Calm, you’ll discover how to: Be happier, more present, and more effective at home and work.Transform stress and anxiety into powerful tools that boost your clarity, energy, and confidence.Cultivate calm and joy through practical, affordable coping skills that help you handle life’s daily challenges.Join MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, a seasoned therapist with over 50,000 hours of clinical experience and 32 years teaching mental wellness, as she guides you to reclaim your inner calm. Learn to stay grounded in the present, navigate midlife transitions with clarity, and build emotional resilience using proven coping tools. Every Monday, MJ dives into real stories and science-backed insights to help you shift from anxious to centered—ending each episode with an “Inner Challenge” you can practice right away. Then, on Thursdays, she shares a brief follow-up episode that connects, deepens, or expands the week’s topic, helping you apply these skills in real life. Let’s evolve from crisis to calm—and make midlife your most balanced and fulfilling chapter yet. 🎧 Start with listener favorite Ep. 138 to feel the difference calm can make.      

  1. 1 DAY AGO

    Ep. 211 Triggered? The 1 Powerful Coping Skill That Can Calm Midlife Stress and Anxiety Before It Takes Over

    What if your biggest triggers are actually your best teachers? You’re not broken—you’re human, and your nervous system is simply trying to protect you. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1.    How to use a simple coping skill  to move through triggers in real time 2.    Why tending to your inner world (not controlling the outer one) is the real path to calm 3.    How using this science-backed coping skill helps you become less triggered over time by rewiring old emotional patterns and strengthening self-trust  Take 10 minutes to retrain your brain, reduce anxiety, and rebuild self-trust—one trigger at a time. You’re worth it. Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    11 min

  2. 4 DAYS AGO

    Ep. 210 This Is What Science Says Really Happens To Your Brain When You're Triggered By Stress & Anxiety In Midlife

    Have you ever wondered why you suddenly feel triggered by something small? You’re not broken—your brain is simply reacting faster than your awareness can catch up. In this episode, you’ll discover: What’s really happening in your brain and body when you’re triggered.The science behind why a small moment in the present can activate big feelings from the past.Three ways to recognize when stress and anxiety have hijacked your calm—and how to start restoring self-trust. Take 11 minutes to understand what’s happening beneath your reactions—and begin to reclaim calm and clarity. You’re worth it. Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    11 min

  3. 6 NOV

    Ep. 209 — The Science of Small Shifts: Easy Midlife Coping Skills That Take No Time But Calm Stress and Anxiety Before The Holidays

    Are you taking care of everyone else and forgetting yourself? You’re not alone — midlife often turns self-care into an afterthought, In this episode, you’ll discover: 1.    Why micro self-care shifts work better than big resolutions for midlife stress and anxiety. 2.    Four simple, science-backed coping skills that take no extra time and cost nothing. 3.    How to notice when caring for others starts to eclipse caring for yourself — and what to do about it.  Take 10 minutes to rebuild your calm before the holiday rush — you’re worth it. Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    10 min

  4. 3 NOV

    Ep. 208 — How To Brighten Your Mood This Fall Using Light Exposure, To Reduce Midlife Stress & Anxiety

    Feeling more tired, anxious and  stressed as the days get shorter? You’re not alone—your body and mind are simply responding to less daylight and seasonal change. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1.    Why fall is the most psychologically powerful season to reset habits that decrease anxiety and stress. 2.    How light therapy and full-spectrum lighting help restore your energy, mood, and calm. 3.    Simple daily coping skills to work with your biology—not against it—for more focus and peace. Take 12 minutes to reset your light, energy, and calm—you’re worth it. Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    13 min

  5. 30 OCT

    Ep. 207 Death as a Teacher: How Thinking About Mortality Strengthens Midlife Coping Skills for Stress & Anxiety

    What if thinking about death could actually teach you how to live with more peace, presence, and perspective? You don’t have to explore this alone. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why practicing small acts of letting go builds resilience for life’s biggest transitions.How the body “knows how to die” and what that means for reducing fear and blame.A simple yoga pose that can shift how you approach mortality and daily anxiety adding meaning and clarity to your life.  Take 20 minutes to practice letting go and discover new calm in midlife—you’re worth it. Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    19 min

  6. 27 OCT

    Ep. 206 Death Isn’t Creepy: How Reflecting on Mortality Calms Midlife Anxiety & Stress

    Why does reflecting on death feel so uncomfortable, yet hold surprising value for our mental wellness? You’re not alone if the thought makes you uneasy. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why most of us avoid thoughts of mortality—and the hidden costs of that avoidance.How reflecting on death, even briefly, can shift daily stress and anxiety.What hospice work and mindfulness practices reveal about living with greater calm and clarity. Take 20 minutes to see how reflecting on death can free you to live more fully—you’re worth it. Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    14 min

  7. 23 OCT

    Ep. 205 Surprising Coping Skills You Can Learn From Toddlers To Dissolve Anxiety and Stress In Midlife

    What if the surprising key to dissolving midlife anxiety and stress comes from the way toddlers move through the world? You’re not alone if stress and anxiety in midlife make calm feel out of reach. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1.    Why eliminating outside stressors rarely creates lasting calm 2.    How toddlers teach powerful lessons about coping with midlife anxiety and stress 3.    Right-brain practices that reconnect you to the calm already inside of you  Take 12 minutes to unlock calm from the inside out and ease midlife anxiety and stress—you’re worth it Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    13 min

  8. 20 OCT

    Ep. 204 Feeling Anxious and Stressed? Your Best Midlife Coping Skill Is Already Inside You

    What if your calm hasn’t disappeared — you’ve just stopped practicing how to return to it? Stress and anxiety in midlife don’t require more control — they require better connection with what’s already inside you. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1.    How to reconnect with natural calm using everyday moments 2.    Why giving anxiety too much attention increases suffering 3.    Simple coping skills to reset your nervous system in real time Take 10 minutes to listen  and begin practicing calm, not chasing it. Send us a text **** About the Host: MJ Murray Vachon LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with more than 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years of experience teaching her Mental Wellness curriculum, Inner Challenge. Four years ago she overcame her fear of technology to create a podcast that integrated her vast clinical experience and practical wisdom of cultivating mental wellness using the latest information from neuroscience. MJ was Social Worker of the Year in 2011 for Region 2/IN. Creating Midlife Calm is a podcast designed to guide you through the challenges of midlife, tackling issues like anxiety, low self-esteem, feeling unworthy, procrastination, and isolation, while offering strategies for improving relationships, family support, emotional wellbeing, mental wellness, and parenting, with a focus on mindfulness, stress management, coping skills, and personal growth to stop rumination, overthinking, and increase confidence through self-care, emotional healing, and mental health support.

    9 min
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Coping Skills for Midlife Stress and Anxiety in Family, Work & Relationships Forget the midlife crisis—how about creating midlife calm? The anxiety and stress of this life stage can drain your energy, fuel overthinking, and make it hard to enjoy what should be the best years of your life. This podcast offers practical coping skills to help you reduce anxiety, manage stress, and rediscover a calmer, more confident version of yourself. In Creating Midlife Calm, you’ll discover how to: Be happier, more present, and more effective at home and work.Transform stress and anxiety into powerful tools that boost your clarity, energy, and confidence.Cultivate calm and joy through practical, affordable coping skills that help you handle life’s daily challenges.Join MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, a seasoned therapist with over 50,000 hours of clinical experience and 32 years teaching mental wellness, as she guides you to reclaim your inner calm. Learn to stay grounded in the present, navigate midlife transitions with clarity, and build emotional resilience using proven coping tools. Every Monday, MJ dives into real stories and science-backed insights to help you shift from anxious to centered—ending each episode with an “Inner Challenge” you can practice right away. Then, on Thursdays, she shares a brief follow-up episode that connects, deepens, or expands the week’s topic, helping you apply these skills in real life. Let’s evolve from crisis to calm—and make midlife your most balanced and fulfilling chapter yet. 🎧 Start with listener favorite Ep. 138 to feel the difference calm can make.      

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