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

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.

Copyright: © 2024 Inner Challenge Podcast with MJ Murray Vachon LCSW

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 166 Essential Skills To Help You Cope This Father’s Day When Your Dad Makes You Feel Stressed, Anxious or Angry Jun 12, 2025

Show notes

Does Father’s Day bring more dread than celebration?
You’re not the only Midlifer who feels anxious or conflicted about your relationship with your Dad.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why your father can still trigger deep anxiety, anger and hurt in midlife, even if you rarely see him
2. Five powerful coping skills to protect your peace before, during, and after Father’s Day
3. How to turn pain into growth without needing to “fix” your relationship with your Dad.

🎧 Take 12 minutes to reclaim your calm and care for yourself this Father’s Day—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.

Ep. 165 Why Understanding Your Father's Emotional Influence Is Key to Building Emotional Resilience & Ease Stress & Anxiety in Midlife Jun 09, 2025

Show notes

Does Father’s Day bring more dread than celebration?
You’re not the only Midlifer who feels anxious or conflicted about your relationship with your Dad.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why your father can still trigger deep anxiety, anger and hurt in midlife, even if you rarely see him
2. Five powerful coping skills to protect your peace before, during, and after Father’s Day
3. How to turn pain into growth without needing to “fix” your relationship with your Dad.

🎧 Take 12 minutes to reclaim your calm and care for yourself this Father’s Day—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.

Ep. 164 What Every Graduate Should Hear From a Midlifer About Creating a Meaningful Life Without Letting Stress & Anxiety Hold You Back Jun 05, 2025

Show notes

Is someone you care about graduating yet feeling anxious, uncertain, or overwhelmed?
This episode offers the two questions that can guide them through early adulthood with clarity and calm.
Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

Why anxiety after graduation is not failure—but a normal part of becoming yourself
Two foundational questions to keep you grounded: Who am I? and Can I love?
Simple, powerful coping skills to stay present while you grow through uncertainty

Listen now to help the graduates you love feel seen, steady, and ready for the road ahead.

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.

Ep. 163 Why Your Stress & Anxiety About Midlife Isn’t a Crisis But A Sign You're Ready To Embark On Your Next Chapter Jun 02, 2025

Show notes

Have you ever felt the quiet anxiety of stepping into midlife without a roadmap or recognition?
This episode is your invisible graduation ceremony—honoring the transition no one prepared you for.
.Here’s what you’ll take away from this episode:

Why anxiety in midlife is normal—and often a sign you’re being called into leadership.
How to cultivate coping skills that are rooted in presence, not performance.
The surprising power of quiet transitions and how they shape your influence and purpose.

Listen now to honor your own midlife graduation and step into the role you’ve been preparing for all along.

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.

Ep. 162 The Unbelievable Way Bringing PLAY Back Into Your Life Will Reduce Stress, Anxiety & Increase Calm in Midlife May 29, 2025

Show notes

Are you stuck in anxiety and overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list?
You’re not alone — and the surprising solution might be something you haven’t done in years: play.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. How play calms your brain and reduces anxiety in midlife

2. The two biggest reasons anxious adults stop playing — and how to overcome them

3. Simple coping skills to bring play back into daily life — from joy scrolling to five minutes on a backyard swing

🎧 Press play now to rediscover laughter, lightness, and the forgotten coping skill your midlife brain needs.

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.

Ep. 161 Science Says Summer Fun Is the Midlife Coping Skill You Forgot & It Can Calm Your Stress & Anxiety May 26, 2025

Show notes

Are you too anxious, tired, or busy to have fun this summer?
You’re not alone—but science shows that fun isn’t frivolous

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why summer is uniquely suited to help you reset your anxiety.
How childhood memories can guide your adult self toward healing and play.
A simple 3-step tool to help you bring back fun—even if it feels far away.

🎧 Press play to learn how small moments of joy can interrupt the stress cycle and become one of your most reliable coping skills in midlife.

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.

Ep. 160 5 Easily Doable Coping Skills for Stressed Midlife Parents When Their Adult Child Feels Stuck May 22, 2025

Show notes

Are you caught between wanting to help your adult child and drowning in anxiety because nothing seems to change?
There’s a way to support them without losing yourself.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How to shift into a steady mindset that protects your peace — and gives your child the space they need to build confidence and resilience.
How to set clear, loving boundaries around finances, home life, and expectations — helping your child develop responsibility and independence.
How to recognize and address overuse and addiction issues with calm honesty — creating an environment where real healing and progress can begin.

🎧 Listen now to start building doable coping skills you need to ease anxiety, stay grounded, and support your adult child’s growth without enabling.

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.

Ep. 159 Why So Many Adult Children Aren’t Launching & How Midlife Parents Can Reduce Their Stress & Anxiety May 19, 2025

Show notes

Are you feeling anxious about your adult child who just isn’t launching?
You’re not alone—and you’re definitely not a bad parent.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Why today’s young adults are facing a drastically different—and harder—world than previous generations

2. How phones, cannabis, and constant cultural pessimism are impacting motivation and mental health

3. What you can do to move from guilt and frustration to calm, clarity, and more effective support

🎧 Listen now this episode will help you see the bigger picture and reclaim a sense of power and peace—no matter where your child is on their journey.

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.

Ep. 158 How To Know If Cannabis Is Quietly Worsening Anxiety & Stress for You or Your Kids in Midlife May 15, 2025

Show notes

Are you or you kids relying on cannabis to unwind, sleep, or deal with anxiety?
You’re not alone—and you’re not broken—but you might be self-medicating in a way that’s backfiring.

In this episode you’ll discover:

How cannabis quietly shifts from a tool to a trap—and the signs you’re missing.
The difference between social and chronic use and why it matters for your anxiety.
Why modeling healthy coping skills is crucial if you’re parenting in the cannabis era.

✨ If you're ready to feel more present, focused, and emotionally grounded—without numbing out—this episode is your reset button.

👉 Listen now to rethink your relationship with cannabis and reclaim your calm.

Huberman Lab Podcast – Episode 92: "The Effects of Cannabis (Marijuana) on the Brain & Body" (October 3, 2022)

🔗 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gXvuJu1kt48

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.

Ep. 157 Why Alcohol Makes Your Stress & Anxiety WORSE in Midlife & 4 Coping Skills That Actually Work May 12, 2025

Show notes

Are you still reaching for a glass of wine to take the edge off midlife anxiety?
What once felt like a relaxing ritual may now be working against your peace, sleep, and sanity.
In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. Why midlife hormonal and brain changes can cause alcohol to increase—not relieve—your anxiety.

2. Four healthier, science-backed coping skills that will REALLY help your anxiety.

3. How to track your drinking habits, rewire your routines to regain control over your emotional well-being.

Press play to learn how to reclaim calm and feel better—without wine running the show.

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.

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