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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. 65 Coping Skills to increase Relational & Social Intelligence To Decrease Midlife Anxiety & Stress Mar 09, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, MJ shares her the theory of social and relational intelligence as well as an awesome one pager! We all know that relationships are key to cultivating mental wellness but so often relationships can make us unhappy or even miserable. This episode explains how belonging and being known are fundamental to human mental health and outlines the progression of how relationships are formed, from sharing facts and interests to opinions, emotions, and values. It addresses the crisis of loneliness and social disconnection and offers insights into how to foster connections and intimacy rooted in mutuality. In today’s digital world this session puts words to how to make friends that are more than just a thumb up!
One pager: https://mjmurrayvachon.com/podcast-11/
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.

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. 64 Coping Skills for the Stay-at-Home Parenting Journey To Decrease Anxiety & Stress Feb 24, 2024

Show notes

Join MJ and her guest as they embark on a captivating journey into the realm of stay-at-home parenting. Witnessing a notable 10% surge from 2022 to 2023, more parents have chosen to transition from their corporate roles to become the full-time CEOs of their households. In today's enlightening discussion, our guest sheds light on her own unexpected path to this lifestyle shift, delving into the profound joys of nurturing her daughter alongside the inherent challenges of parenting in an era where much of our social interactions occur through digital mediums. This episode serves as a poignant cultural reflection for all who hold dear the cornerstone of any society: the sanctity of our families and the well-being of our children.
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.

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. 63 Mental Wellness & Love Beyond Travis,Taylor & Valentine's Day! Feb 10, 2024

Show notes

Get ready to dive into a captivating conversation that goes beyond the usual chatter about Taylor, Travis, and Valentine's Day! MJ and special guest Elly Wynia LCSW, a seasoned relationship expert,(https://ellywynia.com/) are turning the spotlight on the country's buzzing atmosphere of LOVE. In this episode, they explore the intricate dynamics of relationships, urging couples to embrace growth for the deep connection we all crave but might not always know how to foster.

Drawing from their wealth of knowledge, Elly and MJ share invaluable insights, including the significance of creating 'sacred space,' navigating discomfort for personal and relational growth, and the importance of prioritizing connection over being right (yes, even when it stings!). Beyond the fluff, they demystify terms like 'conscious connecting' and shed light on how delving into your past can be the key to upgrading your present and creating a relationship that is healthy and enjoyable. Tune in for a journey into the heart of meaningful connections and discover practical tools to elevate your relationship game! (Go Chiefs! Go Tay & Travis!)
https://ellywynia.com/

Top of Form

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.

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.62 Coping Skills for Managing the Stress & Anxiety of TikTok Addiction! Jan 27, 2024

Show notes

Join MJ on a six-month journey with her guest, who initiates a self-imposed TikTok Block. Initially struggling with phone overuse, especially on TikTok, the guest deletes the app and shares valuable insights and strategies regarding the effects this has on her mental and physical wellness over time. The transformation illustrates the power of social media algorithms on the human brain and highlights the importance of digital self-care in an age of constant connectivity, overused devices, and highly addictive apps. The guest advocates for listeners to actively oversee and manage their social media engagement, whether it's on TikTok, Facebook, or any other platforms that keep us coming back for more. You will love this episode!
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.

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. 61 Specific Coping Skills for & Losing Weight Your Way in Young Adulthood, Midlife & the Golden Years That Help Decrease Stress & Anxeity Jan 14, 2024

Show notes

Happy New Year! In this episode, MJ talks with personal trainer and weight loss coach, Julie Hamilton, about abandoning the quest for the perfect diet and instead focusing on what works for you. They discuss a practical and achievable approach to weight loss that begins with the question, "What foods can you not give up?" (MJ's – lattes and Julie's – chips!) How's that for turning this formidable conversation on its head? Whether you're looking to shed pounds or maintain a healthy weight, Julie shares mindset shifts, practical tips, and dispels common myths about weight loss. (You might be surprised when she shares the relationship between weight loss and exercise!) Tune in to discover how to tailor a diet to your lifestyle, handle shame around weight issues, and understand the impact of simple, everyday choices on your health. Feel free to reach out to Julie at http://julie@thevelvetdumbbell.com.
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.

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. 60 Life's Wisdom and Coping Skills for Kids from 1-93 (Encore) Dec 30, 2023

Show notes

Learning from Age: Wisdom and Insights on Mental Wellbeing

How are your New Year's Resolutions going??? Hope to lose some weight? Do a bit more exercise? Maybe less phone time or more sleep. All useful but in this episode MJ invites us to turn our resolutions toward bettering our relationships with those who matter most to us: family and friends. MJ shares a meaningful conversation with a 92-year-old woman who has experienced the full spectrum of life's joy and tragedy. She shares her insights on life, relationships, and mental wellness. Throughout the episode, she discusses the importance of genuine connections, her methods of maintaining mental wellness, her struggles, and the wisdom she has acquired over the years. This episode encourages listeners to reflect on their relationships and challenge themselves to a deeper understanding of their loved ones. The conversation also touches on navigating the aging process with grace and integrity, the crucial role of love and community, and the importance of positive thinking. (Encore Episode)
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.

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. 59 My favorite Coping Skills To Decrease Stress & Anxiety In 2023!! Dec 19, 2023

Show notes

Ep. 53 Mental Wellness & 2023

In this final episode of 2023, MJ looks back on the year and shares her favorite Inner Challenge Insights from this years’ episodes. She celebrates her People of the Year, Grace Morrison, her podcast consultant, and Taylor Swift! Two badass millennials !! Her top ten Inner Challenge Insights underscore the value of cultivating a mindset that leans into Mental Wellness. MJ shares insights from episodes that help build the skill of self-awareness, never being too old to change, the unproductivity of anger as well as the value of RAS. (If you don’t know what this means give a listen!)It might be a bit too much to ask for Peace on Earth this holiday season but with a bit of effort and understanding we can all have more peace of mind. Thanks for listening this year and if you would like to be on the podcast in 2024, I would love to have you. Don’t have a topic but your New Year’s resolution is to try new things, we can figure out a topic together. Send me an email at mj@mjmurrayvachon.com. Recording can be remote or in person! Happy Holidays!!!
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.

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. 58 Mental Wellness: Coping Skills for Family Holidays: Reducing Stress & Anxiety and Avoiding the Grinch Effect!! Dec 06, 2023

Show notes

Join MJ and life coach Joan Claire Gilbert as they ponder some of the holiday classics! You know those family issues that can turn you into The Grinch. We might not have Peace on Earth this holiday season but MJ and Joan Claire give some practical solutions to help you make your holiday a bit brighter. They share some ideas to help you not let your uncle or sibling ruin your holiday. So put a little mental wellness on your list. A great podcast to listen to as you do your holiday preparations! Give it to a friend or family member as a gift! Happy Holidays!
Want to give the gift of coaching this Christmas:
http://uplevel@joanclairecoaching.com
http://joanclairecoaching.com
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.

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. 57 Mental Wellness: Coping Skills for Improving Family Relationships During a Child’s Illness That Decrease Stress & Anxiety Nov 11, 2023

Show notes

It's the season of turkey, cranberries (who eats these??) and THANKS! Join MJ and her guest, best selling author and wellness innovator David Romanelli, as they gather around the table and talk gratitude. Usually at this time of year podcasts feature episodes about how to tolerate your great uncle who drinks too much or your family member who won't stop talking politics. Skip over those pods and enjoy David's stories and perspective on how to find gratefulness in the good times as well as the bad times (like when his three- year- old daughter had cancer).Skip the Turkey talk and find your BFD...David's daily dose of cultivating gratitude.
Check out David's gifts to the world: https://davidromanelli.com
/https://www.amazon.com/,Happy-New-Healthy-Relax-
https://www.amazon.com/Life-Lessons-Oldest-Wisest-
#happythanksgiving#Ep.50grateful
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.

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. 56 Mental Wellness: The Science of Compassion as a Coping Skill for Improving Relationships & Decreasing Stress & Anxiety Oct 28, 2023

Show notes

Join MJ as she talks with her husband Dr. Dominic Vachon. No, they aren't talking about wash,(which he excels at) or raising kids but COMPASSION! As Director of Notre Dame's, Ruth Hildebrand Center for Compassion in Medicine, Dr. Dom has a lot to say but it's how he says it that makes this episode a MUST. In these challenging times of war, political division and day to day hardship, Dr. Dom gives us words and a process that moves compassion from an elusive idea practiced by monks to one that allows each of us to step into this foundational part of being human. In sharing his four steps of compassion we become more aware of our compassionate responses allowing us to build on them. Of equal importance, he encourages us to understand and use self-compassion when our responses to events overwhelm us and we turn toward avoidance, anger or blame. Nepotism aside, this is a GREAT episode! Listen and enjoy this antidote for a troubled world.
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.

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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