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Creating Midlife Calm: Coping Skills for Stress & Anxiety in Family, Work & Relationships — Health & Fitness
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. 124 3 Science-Backed Coping Skills to Overcome Exercise Challenges in Midlife to Reduce Stress & Anxiety Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Struggling to stay consistent with your exercise goals?
What if you could conquer the three biggest obstacles that hold you back?

In this episode you’ll discover:

1. How to face the "I don't want to exercise" mindset with practical tools to stay committed.

2. Why patience, not quick results, leads to long-term success

3. How to distinguish between genuine rest and excuses, so you can build consistency without risking burnout.

Hit play to unlock proven strategies for tackling your fitness obstacles and setting yourself up for less anxiety and a calmer 2025!!

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. 123 Simple Hacks to Conquer Midlife Exercise Resistance, Shift Your Mindset, Decrease Stress & Anxiety This New Year Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

In the New Year, are you tired of feeling stuck on the couch and longing for a way to embrace exercise—even if you’ve always hated it?

In this episode, you’ll discover:

A midlife mindset update to see yourself as someone who exercises to decrease anxiety and improve your health.
How to choose movements you genuinely enjoy—no spandex required.
Practical tips to find the time and energy for exercise, even on your busiest days.

Tune in now to learn how small, joyful steps can transform your relationship with exercise and help you embrace a healthier, happier 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.122 3 Proven Coping Skills to Outsmart Your Smartphone and Decrease Stress & Anxiety & Reclaim 2 Hours a Day for Midlife Calm Jan 23, 2025

Show notes

Do you ever feel like your smartphone is outsmarting you?
Want to gain two more hours in your day and decrease your anxiety?

In this episode, you'll discover:

How the simple 3-step ACT plan can strengthen connections with yourself and others while easing tensions between parents and children over phone use.
Why creating daily phone-free time can boost your mental health, productivity, and relationships.
The simple but powerful habit of keeping phones out of your bedroom for better sleep and a more energized start to your day.

Press play now to uncover a proven three-step strategy to outsmart your smartphone and regain control of your mental, physical, and relational health.

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. 121 Outsmarting Your Smartphone – The Science and Solutions You Need To Decrease Stress & Anxiety To Increase Midlife Calm Jan 20, 2025

Show notes

Is your smartphone increasing your anxiety, decreasing your focus, and preventing you from being productive and happy?
Discover the surprising science behind its impact—and how to take control.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

How excessive phone use rewires your brain, diminishing your ability to focus and enjoy everyday activities.
The hidden ways your phone affects your sleep, relationships, and overall health—and why it’s more than just a matter of willpower.
How understanding the science behind cell phones can motivate you to adopt the ACT plan, helping you gain the benefits of your phone while reducing its negative impacts. (Ep. 118)

Take back control of your health, relationships, and life—press play now to uncover the science of outsmarting your smartphone!

Outsmarting Your Smartphone – The Science and Solutions You Need To Decrease Anxiety & Increase Midlife Calm

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. 120 3 Coping Skills To Decrease Overwhelm, Stress & Anxiety During The LA Wildfires & Mass Shootings Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

How do you navigate the overwhelming emotions that come with hearing bad news in today’s world?

Without the right tools to process these challenges, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, hopeless, or even numb.

In this episode you’ll discover:

A powerful three-step plan to process bad news while maintaining emotional balance.
Practical tips for limiting and balancing your news consumption to protect your mental health.
Inspiring ways to channel your energy into small acts of kindness, decreasing your anxiety and creating a positive ripple effect in your community.

Take charge of your emotional well-being and discover how to manage bad news with calm and compassion—press play now!

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. 119 5-Minute Meditation to Ease Stress & Anxiety and Cultivate Compassion for LA Wildfires Jan 12, 2025

Show notes

Are you heart broken and overwhelmed by the wild fires in Los Angelos?
What if a simple five-minute meditation could help you transform those feelings into calm and compassion?
In this episode you’ll discover:

A simple guided, five-minute meditation to calm anxiety and re-regulate your nervous system when bad news feels overwhelming.
How to process difficult emotions like sadness and fear while creating space for inner peace.
How to cultivate compassion and connection by sending healing thoughts to those affected, all while grounding your own well-being.

Listen now to discover a simple and effective meditation that helps you navigate overwhelming emotions, bringing calm and connection when the world feels too heavy.

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. 118 4 Proven Coping Skills To Overcome Weight Loss Obstacles During Midlife Jan 09, 2025

Show notes

Do you find yourself constantly battling obstacles that make losing weight feel impossible?

In this episode you’ll discover:

How to stay focused on your weight loss journey, even in a world designed to tempt you.
Creative, time-saving, and budget-friendly approaches to meal prep and healthy eating.
Explore solutions for menopause and mental health related challenges so you can transform emotional eating into healthier habits.

Listen now to empower yourself with proven strategies for overcoming weight loss obstacles and reclaiming your wellness 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. 117 5 Proven Hacks to Achieve Midlife Weight Loss & Stop Feeling Stuck Jan 06, 2025

Show notes

Is weight loss your New Year’s Resolution? This episode gives you 5 Proven Hacks to help you stop feeling stuck and finally see real results.

In this episode you’ll discover:

How to shift from "needing" to "wanting" to lose weight and why this mindset change is crucial.
Why setting realistic, manageable goals makes all the difference in long-term success.
Find out how to enjoy your favorite foods while creating a sustainable food plan.

Start your journey to a healthier, happier you by tuning in to this transformative episode now!

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. 116 Crush Your New Year Goal With This One Surprising Coping Skill That Decreases Stress & Anxiety Jan 02, 2025

Show notes

Are your New Year’s resolutions setting you up for failure? Do you want to find a new way so you don’t give up on you?

In this episode you’ll discover:

1. Why focusing on one goal with a clear timeline boosts your chances of success.

2. How the power of moderation can help you set achievable goals and create lasting change.

3. How moderation creates space for flexibility, kindness, self-compassion, and curiosity fueling your momentum.

Press play now to uncover how moderation can transform your New Year’s resolutions into meaningful, sustainable habits that bring lasting success.

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. 115 Overcome Fear and Anxiety & FINALLY Achieve Your New Years Resolutions With This Surprising Coping Skill In Midlife Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

What if the real reason you struggle with New Year’s resolutions isn’t a lack of willpower?

In this episode you’ll discover:

1. Why fear of failure-not willpower- sabotages your goal and how to break free this New Year

2. Practical tools to sit with discomfort, rewire your brain, and turn fear into possibility.

3. A way to visualize your success through “mental movies,” a powerful technique to build confidence and clarity and decrease your anxiety.

Listen now to learn how befriending your anxiety can unlock the energy and focus you need to crush your goals this year!

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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