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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. 246 How Constant Bad News Increases Anxiety and Stress in Midlife and a Coping Skill That Restores Calm Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

Have you noticed that anxiety about the future can spike even when your day-to-day life is actually okay?
You deserve a more fulfilling and calmer way forward.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why your nervous system can stay on high alert even when nothing immediate is wrong in your life
2. How online environments amplify intensity and repetition, quietly shaping anxiety and stress in midlife
3. How understanding collective illusions and nervous-system science can become a powerful coping skill for restoring calm
Take 11 minutes to notice how your body feels after being online versus after real-world interaction—this awareness is where calm begins.

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. 245 The Coping Skill That Works Better Than Stress Eating to Ease Anxiety and Stress in Midlife Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

What if learning to relax is the missing step in changing stress eating in midlife?
If you’ve tried to stop stress eating by using willpower or discipline, you’re not alone — and there’s a more supportive way forward.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why stress eating often shows up when your body doesn’t yet know how to relax
2. How learning to listen to your body helps reduce anxiety and stress without relying on food
3. Gentle, science-backed coping skills that make relaxation feel safer and more accessible in midlife
Take 10 minutes to explore how relaxation — not restriction — can change your relationship with stress eating. 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. 244 How To Beat Stress Eating In Midlife By Calming Your Stress & Anxiety Mar 09, 2026

Show notes

What if stress eating in midlife isn’t a lack of discipline but a nervous system response trying to help you cope?
If this is something you struggle with, you’re not broken — and there is a compassionate, meaningful way to understand what’s happening.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why emotional eating in midlife is often a coping skill for anxiety and stress rather than a failure of willpower
2. How biology, history, and culture shape your relationship with food and self-control
3. Why rebuilding self-attunement helps calm your nervous system and reduces stress eating without shame
Take 11 minutes to understand stress eating with compassion instead of criticism — 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. 243 How To FINALLY Feel Relaxed Again in Midlife, As Anxiety and Stress Take Over Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

What if relaxing at night feels hard because your body never had a chance to slow down during the day?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not doing anything wrong — your nervous system just needs a different kind of support.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why trying to relax on command often backfires when anxiety and stress have created ongoing urgency
2. How reducing urgency while you’re still busy helps your nervous system feel safer and less exhausted
3. Simple, realistic coping skills you can use throughout the day to make rest and relaxation more accessible at night
Take 9 minutes to learn how easing urgency during the day can help your body relax again — 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. 242 Why Your Midlife Busyness Is Hiding Your Stress & Anxiety Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

What if the reason you stay busy isn’t because life is demanding but because slowing down feels unsettling?
If this resonates, you’re not broken — and there is a constructive, meaningful way forward.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. How anxiety and stress often masquerade as productivity and constant motion in midlife
2. Why busyness can feel regulating to your nervous system even when it quietly drains you
3. How simple awareness of your relationship with activity becomes a powerful coping skill that restores calm
Take 10 minutes to understand why slowing down feels hard and begin retraining your nervous system for real rest — 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. 241 When Work Demands Too Much You Can Finding Relief Through Coping Skills for Midlife Stress and Anxiety Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

Do you feel exhausted by work even though you may still like your job?
If your energy is gone and anxiety is rising, it may not be a motivation problem—it may be a capacity problem.
In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why chronic over-demand and constant availability keep your nervous system stuck in stress and anxiety
How invisible multitasking quietly drains energy and what to change to protect your nervous system
How using facts instead of emotions with leadership can reduce anxiety and restore steadiness at work

Take 13 minutes to protect your energy and calm midlife stress and anxiety—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. 240 2 Effective Coping Skills to Ease Stress and Anxiety Around Career Disappointment in Midlife Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

Does your career feel disappointing in midlife—and leave you questioning your worth?
You’re not alone, and this quiet kind of stress is far more common than people admit.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why career disappointment in midlife often turns into anxiety, stress, and self-doubt—even when nothing is “wrong” on the surface
2. How internalizing or constantly venting about work both keep your nervous system stuck
3. Why naming the truth about your job—without fixing or quitting—can restore steadiness and self-worth
Take 12 minutes to understand your career disappointment and calm anxiety—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. 239 How to Stay with Meditation When Anxiety Flares—and the Coping Skills That Help You Heal (Part 2) Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

What happens when meditation brings up discomfort instead of calm—and you’re tempted to quit?
If you’ve ever worried that meditation is making things worse, you’re having a very human experience—and you’re not alone.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why anxiety, overthinking, and old hurts often surface after you begin meditating in midlife
2. How learning to “heel” your mind—rather than avoid it—builds real coping skills for anxiety that lead to calm
3. Why staying with the practice gently transforms your relationship with your mind, body, and emotions
Take 17 minutes to understand what healing actually looks like in midlife—you’re worth it.

Phyllis Coletta, JD

Learn to train your wild puppy mind...

The Book: How to Be a Good Dog

Apple Podcast: Sit, Stay, Heal

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. 238 Why Meditation Feels So Hard For Anxious Midlife Minds and the Coping Skill That Makes It Possible (Part 1) Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Why does meditation feel so frustrating when you’re already anxious and overwhelmed in midlife?
If you’ve tried meditation and quit—more than once—you’re not broken, and you’re not alone.
In this episode, you’ll discover:
1. Why anxious midlife minds resist traditional meditation—and how understanding this reduces self-blame
2. How a simple, compassionate coping skill can calm anxiety without forcing your mind to be quiet
3. Why learning to “sit” with your mind differently can gradually retrain your nervous system and restore calm
Take 16 minutes to relate to your mind with more compassion and ease—you’re worth it.

Phyllis Coletta, JD

Learn to train your wild puppy mind...

The Book: How to Be a Good Dog

Apple Podcast: Sit, Stay, Heal

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. 237 When Love Feels Hard in Midlife Try This Coping Skill to Calm Anxiety and Stress Feb 12, 2026

Show notes

Why does love sometimes feel harder in midlife—even when you care deeply and want connection?
If relationships feel more complicated than you expected, you’re not failing—you’re encountering the real work of love.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

Why anxiety and stress often rise when relationships move into disharmony—and why that’s normal in midlife
How learning to stay present through discomfort becomes a powerful coping skill for connection
Why love grows through repair, not perfection, and how that understanding can calm stress and deepen intimacy

🎧 Take 12 minutes to learn the coping skill that helps you move through disharmony and build real connection—right where you are—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.

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