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

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

November 7, 2024 12 mins

In this episode, you'll discover what to do when others aren't happy about you transforming your "shoulds."

 When you're shifting priorities, people may resist or push back, creating a unique tension. I'll walk you through a helpful mindset shift to stay true to your decisions and maintain connections with those affected by your choices.

In this episode, you'll learn: 

1. The SOS tool—a three-step pr...

Mark as Played

 Feeling burdened by expectations? In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, MJ Murray Vachon LCSW, dives into how the "shoulds" in your life can impact your spirit, both positively and negatively. Using her simple S.O.S. process, you'll discover how to turn oppressive shoulds into empowering coulds, helping you feel more connected to your inner calm and less anxious.

 In this episode, you'll learn: 

1. What "...

Mark as Played

Are you often overwhelmed by the thought, “This should not be happening”? You’re not alone. This mindset can fuel anxiety and a sense of being out of control, leaving you feeling miserable.

By the end of this episode, you’ll gain a new perspective on your thoughts and learn practical strategies to cultivate calm amidst life’s challenges.

 In this episode you'll discover:

   1. How the thought “this should not be happening” can co...

Mark as Played

Feel like you’re losing control? Learn the secret to managing out-of-control moments and think more clearly.

 In this episode, you'll learn:

1. How to identify when you’re feeling out of control before emotions take over.

2. Effective strategies to tame anxiety and create mental clarity.

3. The secret to controlling how you respond when life feels chaotic – and why micromanaging doesn’t work.

 Learn to notice and name your out-of-c...

Mark as Played

Want your election anxiety to decrease? Try carving a 🎃 pumpkin or sorting your socks. 
In this episode, we follow up on Monday’s Inner Challenge, where we discussed how to manage election anxiety. Today, MJ introduces the Daily Boost, a simple but powerful strategy to lower your stress and boost your mood during these intense times.

 In this episode you'll learn:

1. Why doom scrolling feeds your anxiety and how ...

Mark as Played

Is the election what's scaring you the most during this Halloween Season? Are you feeling stressed about the election? Do you find yourself doomscrolling or anxiously discussing it with friends? If so, you're not alone—73% of Americans feel anxious about elections.
In this episode, you'll discover:

1. What election anxiety is and why it affects so many of us.

2. How to understand and counter the effects of algorith...

Mark as Played

Are late-night cravings keeping you from a good night’s sleep and sabotaging your health goals?

If you’ve been struggling with unwanted snacking before bed or find yourself reaching for food after dinner, you’re not alone. Nighttime eating can disrupt your sleep, lead to weight gain, and impact your overall well-being, but it doesn’t have to control you. In this episode, we’ll break down exactly why nighttime cravings happen and how...

Mark as Played

Feeling the sting of family estrangement this holiday season? Let's find ways to bring you calm and ease that pain. 

 In this episode, you'll discover:

 1. How reflecting on your role in the estrangement can empower you to heal.

2. The transformative power of compassion for your loved one's struggles and your own pain.

3. Practical tips to reclaim peace during this challenging season.

 Find solace and strength through ref...

Mark as Played

Struggling to get a good night's sleep, or is staying asleep becoming an impossible task? What if five simple, science-backed hacks could change that for you tonight?
This episode dives deep into why quality sleep is essential for your health and mental well-being. If you're feeling the effects of sleep deprivation—exhaustion, irritability, and trouble focusing at work or with your family—this episode offers real solu...

Mark as Played

Do you believe your mind is naturally peaceful, or are you convinced it’s always meant to be stressed and busy? What if you could tap into your mind’s natural state of calm and happiness?

 In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, MJ dives into the truth about our mind's natural state. If you often feel overwhelmed by stress or anxiety and are searching for a way to feel more grounded and present with your family, while also bo...

Mark as Played

Feeling overwhelmed by the fast pace of life? What if you could slow down and instantly create calm, joy, and gratitude in just a few minutes?

 In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, reveals two simple mindfulness practices—"Notice on the Outside" and "Notice on the Inside"—that act as mental workouts for your mind. Just as we strengthen our bodies through physical exercise, these practices help strengthen your...

Mark as Played

Do you find yourself constantly overthinking and dreading your job? What if you could use your whole brain to increase your happiness and calm—even in a work environment you hate?

 If your job brings on negative thoughts, whether it's due to conflicts with coworkers, lack of direction, or just overall dissatisfaction, you’re not alone. In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, explains why our brains are naturally wired to focus...

Mark as Played

 Do you struggle to turn off work mode and find it hard to be fully present with your loved ones at home?

 In today's fast-paced world, many people find it challenging to leave work at the office, leading to stress and difficulty being present at home. This episode tackles a common issue: how to disengage from work so you can enjoy a more peaceful and connected home life.

 In today’s episode you will: 

1. Learn the root causes of...

Mark as Played

Are you tired of feeling like household chores aren't fairly divided, leading to tension and frustration at home? 

Following up on Episode 87 Instantly Reduce Household Stress and Create Calm with THIS Surprising Chore-Sharing Game!", this episode tackles the resistance around dividing household tasks equitably. 

 In this episode, we will discuss strategies to effectively deal with:

 1.Household members who are resistant to ...

Mark as Played

Are household chores turning into a battleground at your home? Discover the fun and effective game that could bring peace to your chore wars!"

 In this episode of Creating Midlife Calm, we dive into the common struggle of uneven chore distribution in households. If you're tired of feeling frustrated while doing the lion's share of housework or find yourself constantly nagging about chores, this episode offers a fresh ...

Mark as Played

Ep. 86 Understanding the 4 Causes of Overthinking To Reduce Your Anxiety & Increase Calm

Do you find yourself trapped in overthinking, draining your energy, disrupting your mental clarity, and leaving you anxious?

 Overthinking affects many of us, especially when faced with stress or uncertainty. In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon, LCSW, explains the four main causes of overthinking and how understanding these triggers can help re...

Mark as Played

Ep. 85 5 Easy & Effective Steps to Stop Over Thinking, Now!

Do you ever feel trapped in a never-ending cycle of worry and anxiety, unable to shut off your mind?"

 Overthinking is an issue many of us face, especially during times of stress or uncertainty. It can rob us of peace, ruin our sleep, and harm our relationships. In this episode, MJ Murray Vachon LCSW introduces a five-step process to help you reduce overthinking, ma...

Mark as Played

Ep. 84 3 Effective Strategies to Overcome Family Disagreements when Navigating Your Child's Mental, Social, Intellectual and Physical Differences

 Do family disagreements over your child's needs feel overwhelming? When you're not aligned with your co-parent or child on how to handle mental, social, learning, or physical differences, finding peace can seem impossible.

 This episode is designed to help you manage these t...

Mark as Played

Ep. 83 Mastering the Seven-Stage Path: Reducing Anxiety and Boosting Strategies for Families Navigating a Child's Physical, Mental, Learning, or Social Challenges
What happens when your child’s development takes an unexpected turn, and you suddenly realize their path is different from what you imagined?

 Raising a child with physical, mental, learning, or social challenges can be emotionally overwhelming for any parent. Thi...

Mark as Played

Are you a couch potato? A Sofa Spud?  Does  your critical voice constantly call you lazy? Do you plan on working out but don’t follow through? Someone looking to stop the weight gain as you juggle all the demands of midlife which leave little time for the gym?   This is the episode for you!!!! We all know the stats: working out is essential for the wellness of our body, spirit and mind. But, what to do if you’re a GOOD person but c...

Mark as Played

Popular Podcasts

    I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

    2. 24/7 News: The Latest

    Today’s Latest News In 4 Minutes. Updated Hourly.

    3. The Joe Rogan Experience

    The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.

    4. Dateline NBC

    Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations.

    5. Crime Junkie

    If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people.

Advertise With Us
Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2024 iHeartMedia, Inc.