Creating Midlife Calm: Coping Skills for Stress & Anxiety in Family, Work & Relationships
Forget the midlife crisis—how about creating midlife calm? The stress and anxiety of this life stage can be overwhelming, draining your energy, and making it hard to enjoy what should be the best years of your life. This podcast is your guide to easing midlife anxiety and discovering a deeper sense of calm.
Discover how to:
- Be happier, more present, and more effective at home and work.
- Transform stress and anxiety into powerful tools that ignite your inner energy, helping you gain clarity and confidently meet your needs.
- Cultivate calm and enjoyment by creating a positive internal mindset using practical, affordable coping skills to handle life's challenges.
Join MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, a seasoned therapist with over 48,000 hours of therapy sessions and 31 years’ experience as a mental wellness educator as she guides you on a journey to reclaim your inner peace. Learn how to find contentment in the present moment, empowering you to handle the pressures of midlife with a confidence clarity that leads to calm.
Every Monday, MJ delves into the unique challenges of midlife, offering insights and concluding each episode with an "Inner Challenge"—simple, science-backed techniques designed to shift you from feeling overwhelmed to centered. Tune in every Thursday for a brief 5-10 minute "Inner Challenge Tune-Up," where MJ offers easy-to-follow tips to integrate these practices into your daily life.
Let’s evolve from crisis to calm and embrace the incredible journey of midlife. Tired of feeling overwhelmed? Tune into fan-favorite Ep. 63 for a boost! Let anxiety go and embrace your calm!
Episodes
174 episodes
Ep.175 How to Manage Midlife Relational Estrangement with Coping Skills for Anxiety, Heartbreak and Healing
Are you stuck in the heartbreak of midlife breakdown or estrangement and unsure how to move forward?When relationships end it hurts, but it doesn’t have to define your future.In this episode, you’ll discover:
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Season 4
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Episode 175
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15:52
Ep. 174 Why Sensitivity Isn’t Your Problem—It’s Your Superpower (If You Learn to Use It)
Do you ever feel so overstimulated in public that your mind blanks out—even during important moments?This kind of emotional and sensory intensity is a normal part of being a highly sensitive person.In this episode, you’l...
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Season 4
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Episode 174
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16:54
Ep. 173 Why Understanding Your High Sensitivity Is Essential To Reduce Stress, Anxiety & Overwhelm In Midlife
Do you walk into a room and immediately feel what others are feeling—even when no one says a word?You’re not imagining it—and you’re definitely not alone.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. How understandi...
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Season 4
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Episode 173
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16:51
Ep. 172 Building Bridges to Ease Midlife Loneliness and Holiday Stress & Anxiety
Have you ever felt unexpectedly lonely on holidays like the 4th of July? You’re not failing—your midlife may simply be calling you to build a new bridge and make an update.In this episode, you'll discover:Wh...
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Season 4
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Episode 172
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12:33
Ep. 171 How To Reduce Midlife Loneliness, Ease Stress, Anxiety & Increase Connection With Others This 4th July
Are you feeling lonely this 4th of July—even surrounded by others? Modern self-awareness may be fueling your midlife loneliness more than you think.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. Why midli...
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Season 4
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Episode 171
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14:15
Ep. 170 Why Understanding the Cause of Midlife Panic Attacks Is the Most Overlooked Coping Skill To Reduce Stress & Anxiety
Do you know what to do the moment panic hits?Panic attacks in midlife can feel terrifying and overwhelming—but they’re not dangerous, and you’re not powerless.In this episode, you’ll discover:1. The top three scienc...
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Season 4
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Episode 170
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13:59
Ep. 169 How to Calm a Panic Attack with 3 Midlife Coping Skills To Soothe Stress & Anxiety Fast
Do you know what to do the moment panic hits?Panic attacks in midlife can feel terrifying and overwhelming—but they’re not dangerous, and you’re not powerless.In this episode, you’ll discover:Three science-back...
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Season 4
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Episode 169
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14:30
Ep. 168 How to Transform Midlife Disappointment with Coping Skills to Reclaim Identity, Decrease Stress, Anxiety & Shame
Ever feel like midlife disappointment means you did something wrong—or that it’s too late to recover?You’re not alone. Many people silently carry the shame of unmet expectations, broken relationships, or careers that stalled.In t...
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Season 4
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Episode 168
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12:27
Ep. 167 Anxious & Stressed About Aging in Midlife and 3 Coping Skills to Reset Your Mindset
Are you worried that aging in midlife means becoming less relevant, less energetic, or less you?You don’t have to accept that mindset—this episode gives you the tools to reshape it.In this episode, you’ll discover:...
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Season 4
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Episode 167
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14:54
Ep. 166 Essential Skills To Help You Cope This Father’s Day When Your Dad Makes You Feel Stressed, Anxious or Angry
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 166
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12:36
Ep. 165 Why Understanding Your Father's Emotional Influence Is Key to Building Emotional Resilience & Ease Stress & Anxiety in Midlife
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 ...
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Season 4
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Episode 165
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11:26
Ep. 164 What Every Graduate Should Hear From a Midlifer About Creating a Meaningful Life Without Letting Stress & Anxiety Hold You Back
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 t...
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Season 4
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Episode 164
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15:31
Ep. 163 Why Your Stress & Anxiety About Midlife Isn’t a Crisis But A Sign You're Ready To Embark On Your Next Chapter
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 fr...
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Season 4
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Episode 163
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11:50
Ep. 162 The Unbelievable Way Bringing PLAY Back Into Your Life Will Reduce Stress, Anxiety & Increase Calm in Midlife
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:<...
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Season 4
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Episode 162
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9:57
Ep. 161 Science Says Summer Fun Is the Midlife Coping Skill You Forgot & It Can Calm Your Stress & Anxiety
Are you too anxious, tired, or busy to have fun this summer? You’re not alone—but science shows that fun isn’t frivolousIn this episode, you’ll discover:Why summer is uniquely suited to help you reset ...
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Season 4
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Episode 161
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9:57
Ep. 160 5 Easily Doable Coping Skills for Stressed Midlife Parents When Their Adult Child Feels Stuck
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 s...
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Season 4
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Episode 159
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15:16
Ep. 159 Why So Many Adult Children Aren’t Launching & How Midlife Parents Can Reduce Their Stress & Anxiety
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 dra...
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Season 4
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Episode 158
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11:02
Ep. 158 How To Know If Cannabis Is Quietly Worsening Anxiety & Stress for You or Your Kids in Midlife
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 y...
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Season 4
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Episode 157
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14:56
Ep. 157 Why Alcohol Makes Your Stress & Anxiety WORSE in Midlife & 4 Coping Skills That Actually Work
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:
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Season 4
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Episode 156
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13:23
Ep. 156 A Midlife Couple Shares Their Journey With Pancreatic Cancer, Stress, Anxiety, and Coping Skills
What if the way you respond to crisis could reshape your anxiety—and your relationships? This powerful episode reveals how one midlife couple used emotional presence, humor, and grounded coping skills to face a devastating cancer dia...
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Season 4
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Episode 156
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49:39
Ep. 155 Practical Coping Skills You Need to Enhance the Effectiveness of Your Anxiety Medication in Midlife
Are you frustrated that anxiety medication isn’t giving you the relief you hoped for?If you’ve been relying solely on medication and still struggle with anxiety, there’s hope.In this episode you’ll discover:Fiv...
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Season 4
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Episode 155
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12:32
Ep. 154: Causes of Midlife Weight Gain from Anxiety Meds & Easy Coping Skills to Reverse It
Are you concerned about weight gain after starting anxiety medication? You don’t have to choose between your mental health and your physical health.In this episode, you’ll discover:The key reas...
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Season 4
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Episode 144
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10:38
Ep. 153 How Midlife Caregiving Triggers Stress, Anxiety & Identity Loss and Coping Skills to Ease the Ache
Are you quietly grieving while still showing up for everyone else? Your kids need you differently, and your parent needs you more—everything inside can start to shift.In this episode you’ll discover:A deeper...
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Season 4
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Episode 153
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11:07
Ep. 152 How Midlife Caregiving's Invisible Weight & Coping Skills to Ease the Burden of Stress & Anxiety
Feeling mentally drained by caring for both your kids and aging parents? You might be carrying an invisible load that’s fueling your anxiety—and it’s more common than you think. In this episode, you’ll discover:1.&n...
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Season 4
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Episode 152
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10:31
Ep. 151 Practical Coping Skills to Ease Emotional and Physical Fatigue & Stress During a Crisis in Midlife
Are you blaming yourself for being too tired in a crisis? Loss, illness, or major life upheaval can leave you emotionally raw and physically depleted. In this episode you’ll discover:Why exhaustion hits...
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Season 4
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Episode 151
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13:35