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

MJ Murray Vachon LCSW
  • 5.0 (27)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

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. 3D AGO

    Ep. 263 The Coping Skill That Actually Reduces Stress & Anxiety When Talking About It Makes You Feel Worse In Midlife

    What if talking about your anxiety is actually making your stress worse in midlife? You’re not alone if you’ve tried to talk through anxiety and stress and still feel unsettled or stuck afterward. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to notice and name anxiety before it pulls you into unhelpful talkingWhy calming your body first helps reduce stress and makes your thinking clearerHow to use a simple coping skill to stop anxiety and stress from building—and move toward clarity. Take 10 minutes to calm your body and clear your mind—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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.

    8 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Ep. 262 Why Talking About Stress and Anxiety in Midlife May Be Making Your Mental Health WORSE

    Have you ever talked through your anxiety and still felt unsettled afterward? You’re not alone—many people turn to talking as a way to feel better, but it doesn’t always bring the calm you’re hoping for. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why anxiety naturally pushes you to talk—and why it can feel helpful in the momentHow talking can quietly reinforce anxiety by strengthening thoughts and storiesHow to recognize when your way of talking is helping you feel calmer—or keeping you stuck Take 8 minutes to better understand your anxiety patterns—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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.

    8 min

  3. MAY 7

    Ep. 261 When Someone You Love Has Cancer: What Truly Helps (From Experience)

    What actually helps someone you love in midlife when they’re facing a life changing crisis and you don’t know what to do? There is a steady, thoughtful way to show up that supports them without adding pressure or overwhelm. In this episode, you’ll discover: How simple, practical actions like meals and check-ins can ease stress without overwhelming the person or their familyWhy asking permission and respecting boundaries strengthens trust and reduces anxiety for everyone involvedHow to stay present and supportive without over-talking, over-helping, or pulling away Take 19 minutes to feel more confident in how you show up for someone you love—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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.

    20 min

  4. MAY 4

    Ep. 260 Navigating a Midlife Cancer Diagnosis: From Shock to Clarity

    What if cancer isn’t just something to survive—but something that can reshape how your life? There is a way to move through uncertainty with more clarity, self-trust, and even moments of real joy. In this episode, you’ll discover: How a crisis can lead to powerful clarity about what truly mattersLearn why boundaries and self-trust become essential during life’s hardest momentsUnderstand how slowing down and being present can transform anxiety into calm Take 19 minutes to reconnect with your inner clarity and build coping skills that truly support you—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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.

    20 min

  5. APR 30

    Ep. 259 Why Letting Go Of Control Feels So Wrong but Actually Reduces Anxiety and Stress in Midlife

    Why does letting go feel so uncomfortable? There is a meaningful way to understand this discomfort that can help you feel more calm, present, and at ease. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why letting go can initially increase anxiety and stress in midlife and why that’s actually part of the processHow your brain and body respond when you stop overplanning and begin practicing letting goThree simple ways to begin letting go so you can feel more present, flexible, and less driven by anxiety Take 13 minutes to begin practicing letting go and feel more calm—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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

  6. APR 27

    Ep. 258 Why Your To Do List & Overplanning Are A Faulty Coping Skill That’s Increasing Your Anxiety and Stress in Midlife

    Are your plans helping you feel calm or quietly increasing your anxiety and stress? Understanding your overplanning  can help you feel more grounded, present, and at ease. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why overplanning feels helpful in the moment but often increases anxiety and stress in midlifeHow your brain and body use planning as a coping skill and why it doesn’t lead to lasting calmThe hidden drivers of overplanning and how awareness can begin to shift your experience Take 14 minutes to understand your planning patterns and begin feeling more calm—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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.

    15 min

  7. APR 23

    Ep. 257 How to Stay Grounded as Springtime Busyness Increases Anxiety and Stress in Midlife

    Is springtime busyness increasing your anxiety and stress in midlife more than you expected? There is a way to move through this season feeling more grounded, clear, and present without doing more. In this episode, you’ll discover: How to tell the difference between stress and anxiety so you can respond more effectively in midlifeHow simplifying and working from calm can reduce stress during spring’s increased demandsHow shifting from fear to values can ease anxiety and help you make clearer decisions Take 11 minutes to feel more grounded and clear as you navigate spring’s demands—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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

  8. APR 20

    Ep. 256 How To Use The Natural Calm Of Spring As A Coping Skill For Stress & Anxiety In Midlife

    Are you moving through spring without actually letting it reduce your anxiety and stress in midlife? There is a simple, natural way to use this season to feel calmer, more present, and more grounded without adding anything new to your life. In this episode, you’ll discover: Why spring naturally supports your nervous system but only if you experience itHow small shifts in your daily routine can become powerful coping skills for anxiety and stress in midlifeWhy spring can both lift your mood and reveal where you may need more care Take 10 minutes to feel more present, calm, and connected to your life this spring—you’re worth it. Send us Fan Mail **** About the Host:  MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, is a seasoned clinician, educator, and host of the podcast Creating Midlife Calm, recognized by Maria Shriver as a “Listen of the Week.” Over the past 40 years, MJ has led more than 50,000 therapy sessions and developed the Inner Challenge mental wellness program and the Inner Challenge Master Class, practical tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and resilience taught for more than 30 years in junior high schools and at the University of Notre Dame for freshman football players. Through her podcast, teaching, and coaching, MJ helps people build calmer lives, stronger relationships, and healthier communities. 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
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5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

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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