Health & Fitness

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

by MJ Murray Vachon LCSW | Midlife Stress & Anxiety Therapist

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Latest episodes

Ep. 326 Why In Midlife You Feel So Limited by Your Partner—Even in a Good Relationship

October 19, 2026 · 10 min

Have you ever wondered why a good relationship can still leave you feeling stressed, overwhelmed or limited by the person you love? Sometimes the tension isn’t a sign that something is wrong with your relationship—it may be what happens…
Ep. 325 The 5 Minute Coping Skill To Reduce Anxiety & Allow You To Enjoy The Present

October 16, 2026 · 4 min

Does anxiety about a problem keep taking over your thoughts even when you want to be present for what’s happening right in front of you? You don’t have to solve every problem before you can bring your attention back to your life. In this…
Ep. 324: How to Stop Feeling Pulled in Too Many Directions To Decrease Anxiety, Stress & Overwhelm in Midlife

October 15, 2026 · 14 min

Do you ever feel like work, family, relationships and responsibilities are all competing for your attention—even when you’re trying to focus on just one thing? You don’t need to give up the roles that matter to you to feel less pulled in…
Ep. 323 Why Wearing So Many Hats Can Leave You Feeling Anxious, Overwhelmed and Never in the Right Place

October 12, 2026 · 11 min

Do you wear a lot of hats in midlife and still feel like you’re always behind? You’re not alone, and there may be a reason it feels so hard to keep up. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1. Why the many roles you carry in midlife can…
Ep. 322 How To Cope With Tragedy & Trauma, So You Can Ease Anxiety & Stop Feeling Overwhelmed, Even When There's Nothing You Can Do To Fix The Situation

October 9, 2026 · 8 min

When something painful and tragic happens that you can’t fix, anxiety, stress and overwhelm can show up in ways you don’t expect. Learning to notice what you need can help you move through the experience without demanding that you feel…

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Ep. 321 How To Regulate Your Nervous System When Anxiety, Stress & Overwhelm Take Over, So You Can Breathe Again

October 8, 2026 · 12 min

Anxiety, stress and overwhelm can affect your nervous system in very different ways. Knowing whether you’re becoming more activated or starting to shut down can help you choose the coping skill your nervous system needs. In this episode…
Ep. 320 Why You Can Handle Stress One Day and Feel Completely Overwhelmed By It the Next & How Your Nervous System Is Actually To Blame

October 5, 2026 · 10 min

Why can something you normally handle pretty well suddenly leave you feeling anxious, stressed or completely overwhelmed? Understanding your nervous system can help you make sense of your reaction and respond differently. In this episode…
Ep. 319 How to Calm Anxiety & Overwhelm When You Can’t Stop Worrying About Someone You Love

October 2, 2026 · 6 min

Worrying about someone you love can create a lot of anxiety and overwhelm, especially when you’ve done what you can and the situation is still out of your hands In this episode, you’ll discover: A simple coping skill to help you feel your…
Ep. 318 How to Use Your Superpower of Being the Reliable One to Reduce Anxiety, Stress & Overwhelm in Midlife

October 1, 2026 · 11 min

What if being overly responsible isn’t something you need to get rid of, but a superpower you need to use differently? Being the person everyone counts on can feel good until carrying too much leaves you anxious, stressed and…
Ep. 317 Why Being So Reliable Is Secretly Your Biggest Source of Anxiety & Stress For People In Midlife

September 28, 2026 · 13 min

How can being the person everyone counts on make you feel capable and successful—and also anxious, stressed and overwhelmed? Being the reliable one may be one of your greatest strengths, but in midlife, carrying so much can begin to cost…
Ep. 316 Sometimes the Best Coping Skill for Stress & Anxiety in Midlife Is to Stop Trying

September 25, 2026 · 4 min

Have you ever noticed how anxiety can keep you trying to solve a problem even when there’s nothing more you can actually do? Persistence is a strength, but in midlife it can sometimes fuel anxiety and keep you searching, clicking and…
Ep. 315 Use This Simple Coping Skill to Lighten the Stress of Unresolved Problems Even When You’re Still Responsible for Them

September 24, 2026 · 12 min

Do insurance, financial and other unresolved problems keep taking up space in your head and suck energy from your day? When you’re still responsible for a problem you can’t resolve, it can quietly drain your time, energy and calm. In this…

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About the show

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.