Ep. 311 The Hidden Reason Retirement Suddenly Triggers Stress, Anxiety & Overwhelm in Midlife-Even When It's Years Away

Has thinking about retirement suddenly made getting older feel a lot more real? You’re not alone if retirement is beginning to feel surprisingly personal long before you’re ready to stop working. In this episode, you’ll discover: 1.    Why retirement can trigger stress and anxiety in midlife that goes much deeper than money. 2.    Why it can be difficult to picture your older self and how that affects the way you care for your future. 3.    A simple coping skill to help you become curious about the person you’re becoming without becoming anxious about the future.  Take 10 minutes to look toward your future without leaving the life you’re living today—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.