Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast
Listen on Your Favorite App

Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

Bonnie Gray

Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast hosted by Christian author Bonnie Gray is dedicated to refreshing your soul with rest and sparking joy, so you can feel God’s love and peace. We'll walk you through scientific, scripture-backed methods of restoring calm, in order to help you stress less, take better care of yourself, and create new rhythms to rest in daily life.

Here are some topics covered in this podcast: 

🌸 Feeling Anxious? Cast Your Cares on God Because He Cares For You
🌸 3 Ways to Break Free from Stress, Worry & Anxiety
🌸 How to Say No to Fear & Yes to God PLUS What's the Difference Between Secular & Biblical Meditation?
🌸 Is It Burnout Or Is God Stretching You? 4 Signs to Know the Difference PLUS 4 Mental Health Benefits of Stories
🌸 3 Surprising Ways to Stop Overthinking, Improve Your Mood During the Day, & Get the Sleep Your Body Needs
🌸 The Antidote to Stress & Fatigue + The Surprising Causes – Plus Raising Stress-Resilient Kids

FOLLOW BONNIE:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegray
Facebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegray
Her site: http://www.thebonniegray.com

 

Listen on Your Favorite App

Don't Hide Your Heart. Heal Your Heart. I'll Show You How #140
October 21, 2024 - 20 min
Are you holding back your true feelings at suffering anxiety, depression, or simply feeling emotionally unwell? In this episode, Bonnie explores the importance of embracing your heart and how doing so can lead to profound healing and emotional wellness.Learn how to confront your emotions and transform your life story into a source of empowerment. Bonnie shares practical insights and heartfelt advice on how to navigate your feelings and use journaling as a powerful tool for self-discovery and growth.Tune into this episode to discover how acknowledging and sharing your stories can create space for healing, helping you reclaim your heart and find peace within. What do you do when you don’t know what to do? In this episode, Bonnie explores how to transform your anxiety and confusion into a pathway for healing by rewriting your personal story with God. Tune into this episode to experience a calming breath prayer, hear Bonnie’s personal journey of healing, and gain practical tips on how to embrace your story as a source of strength. You’ll learn how writing can reduce stress, improve emotional wellness, and create a legacy of faith for future generations.Key Takeaways:- Devotional Study: Jeremiah 15:16 Learn how sharing your stories with God can help you navigate confusion and find clarity.- Scripture Reflection: Understand the importance of rewriting old scripts that no longer serve you.- The Science: Embrace Vulnerability: Discover why it’s crucial to share your feelings and how vulnerability can lead to deeper healing.- The Science: Transformative Journaling: Learn practical journaling techniques to help you articulate your emotions and rewrite your narrative.- The Science:  The Healing Power of Story: Understand how sharing your life stories can unlock emotional wellness and foster connection with others.- Soul Care Tip:  The Science of Storytelling: Learn how writing your story can rewire your brain, helping you process and release negative emotions, leading to greater emotional clarity and joy. Discover the profound connection between your experiences and God's word, transforming pain into peace. Breath Prayer:  (inhale) Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart (exhale) For I've been called by your nameScriptures: Jeremiah 15:16 "Your words were found and I ate them and your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart. For I've been called by your name, O Lord God.Soul Care Tip: Practical Guidance: Gain actionable steps to release your emotional baggage of old scripts and embrace your journey towards healing.Join Bonnie for a soul-nourishing episode that encourages you to connect with your heart, embrace vulnerability, and step into a more peaceful, faith-filled life.LINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Register for new "Journaling with Jesus" Soul Care Course: https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ -  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment! -  Get Bonnie's Bestselling book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less" https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for Fall Quarter Soul Care! https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at <a href="https://www.lifeaudio.com/
3 Ways to Get Out of Your Head and Feel God's Peace in Your Heart #139
October 14, 2024 - 19 min
Do you find yourself stuck in your head, replaying stressful situations or decisions? What if you could move from overthinking into a place of calm in your heart?In this episode, Bonnie explores how to step out of anxious thoughts and experience the peace that God offers. Learn to quiet your mind through three simple soul care tips that will help you reconnect with God's peace in your daily life.Tune into this episode to discover how to use photos, share stories, and write letters as ways to find joy, lower stress, and grow closer to God. We'll learn how to hear God’s words of love and restoration. You'll also pick up three soul care tips to restore peace and calm to your emotions today.Key Takeaways:- Devotional Study: Phil. 4:7-9 How to practice the peace of God in daily life to care for your mind and body- Scripture Reflection: Phil 4:7 The peace of God, which transcends all understanding will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus- The Science: How looking at personal photos can boost your mood and trigger joy.- The Science: Why sharing stories with others helps multiply your happiness and release stress.- The Science:  How writing letters to lowers anxiety &amp; activates your brain to release happy hormones - Soul Care Tip: The powerful effects of writing letters to Jesus and loved ones to express your emotions and activate peace.Breath Prayer:  (inhale) Whatever is lovely (exhale) Think on these things Scriptures: Phil 4:8 "Whatever is lovely... think on these things" Soul Care Tip: Discover the scientific benefits of viewing personal photos, sharing your stories, &amp; writing lettersLINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Register for "Journaling with Jesus" Soul Care Course: https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/-  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment!-  Get Bonnie's Bestselling book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less" https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for Fall Quarter Soul Care! https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Feeling Overwhelmed? How to Focus on God's Voice & Feel Peace Instead #138
October 7, 2024 - 19 min
LINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for Fall Quarter Soul Care! https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment!-  Get Bonnie's Bestselling book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less" https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Join Soul Care School (STARTING SOON!): http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Hard on Yourself? Loosen the Grip of Anxiety By Doing This One Thing #137
September 30, 2024 - 15 min
LINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for Fall Quarter Soul Care! https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment!-  Get Bonnie's Bestselling book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less" https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Join Soul Care School (STARTING SOON!): http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Feeling Exhausted? How to Fight Fatigue with God's Comfort #136
September 16, 2024 - 17 min
Are you feeling exhausted, emotionally drained, or overwhelmed by life’s demands? What are the simple, comforting steps you can take to calm your spirit and renew your strength?In this episode, Bonnie explores how to find God's comfort and restore your energy when fatigue sets in. Drawing on personal stories, scripture, and practical soul care tips, she helps you shift from burnout to balance.Learn to embrace God's peace, take meaningful actions that restore your mind and body, and experience His comforting presence through simple daily practices.Tune into this episode to discover how to:Release the stress and pressures that weigh you down.Restore your energy by focusing on God's promises.Find practical ways to nurture your body, mind, and soul.Key Takeaways:- Devotional Study: Isaiah 40:30-31 Breathing deeply and meditating calms your body and refreshes your spirit.- Scripture Reflection: Restore energy focusing on God's comfort to replenish you- The Science: Pushing thru releases stress hormones. Slowing down releases seratonin- Soul Care Tip: How eating yogurt can help reduce inflammation, ease fatigue Breath Prayer: (inhale) those who hope in the Lord (exhale) will renew their strength Scriptures: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall. But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not be faint." Isaiah 40:30-312 Corinthians 1:4: "God comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."Matthew 5:4: "Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted."Soul Care Tip: Discover the scientific benefits of eating yogurt &amp; slowing downLINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for Fall Quarter Soul Care! https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment!-  Get Bonnie's Bestselling book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less" https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Join Soul Care School (STARTING SOON!): http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
How to Cast Your Cares on God When You Worry #135
September 9, 2024 - 15 min
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the weight of responsibilities or caught in a cycle of anxiety?In this episode, Bonnie explores how we can release our worries into God's loving hands and discover peace through simple, soul-nurturing practices.Learn to let go of anxiety, find rest in God's presence, and restore calm to your emotions and body. Discover how to cast your cares on Him—because He cares for you!Tune into this episode to receive a loving word from God, engage in a powerful breath prayer, and discover a soul care tip to help you manage stress naturally. Key Takeaways:- Devotional Study: 1 Peter 5:7 The importance of acknowledging your stress and worries before God.- Scripture Reflection: A personal story about how God shows up even when we feel stressed. - The Science: Like poppies that bloom in sunlight due to temperature changes, our hearts relax and release anxiety when we rest in God’s care- Soul Care Tip: Learn why a walk in nature with God lowers cortisol stress hormone Breath Prayer:  (inhale) Cast all your anxieties on him (exhale) because he cares for you Scriptures: "Cast all your anxieties on him because he cares for you." 1 Peter 5:7 Soul Care Tip: Discover the scientific benefits of a 10 min walk to lower anxiety &amp; boost your moodLINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment!-  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for devotions &amp; wellness https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Get Bonnie's Bestseller book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less" https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Join Soul Care School: http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Why Singing Amazing Grace Helps You Rest, Lower Stress, and Rejuvenate #134
September 2, 2024 - 17 min
Do you find it challenging to truly rest, even when you know you need it?In this episode, Bonnie explores the deep connection between rest and spiritual renewal, especially during times of physical and emotional exhaustion. As we celebrate Labor Day, Bonnie invites you to reflect on how you are resting and offers a simple yet powerful soul care tip rooted in Scripture. Learn how singing the beloved hymn “Amazing Grace” can not only soothe your soul but also improve your heart health, according to surprising scientific research.Tune into this episode to discover how to release your burdens, find delight in God’s presence, and take practical steps towards a more peaceful and rested life.Key Takeaways:- Devotional Study: Matt 11:28 Discover the significance of true rest in God’s presence.- Scripture: Wellness Word Study: Delight" Reflect on the power of delighting in the Lord to soften your heart and lift your spirits. Ps 37:4 - The Science: Significance of rest and letting go of responsibilities during the recovery process- Soul Care Tip: Learn how singing "Amazing Grace" benefits your heart and emotional well-being.Join Bonnie Gray on this journey to lower stress and restore your soul with God’s love and peace.Breath Prayer:  (inhale) Come to me all who are weary and burdened/ (exhale) fI will give you rest.Scriptures: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Matt 11:28 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart." Ps 37:4 Soul Care Tip: Discover the scientific benefits of singing to lower anxiety &amp; boost your moodLINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment!-  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for devotions &amp; wellness https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Get Bonnie's Bestseller book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less" https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Join Soul Care School: http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
6 Ways to Boost Your Emotional Wellness with God's Care Instead of Pushing Yourself to Exhaustion #133
August 26, 2024 - 18 min
Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s demands and in need of a moment of peace? In this episode, Bonnie explores the story of Elijah and how God’s tender care for him in his darkest hour offers a powerful lesson for us today. Learn to recognize when it's time to step back, nourish your soul, and allow God to renew your strength through rest. Tune into this episode to discover how to reclaim rest in the midst of stress, renew your spirit, and embrace God’s loving care in your daily life. Key Takeaways:- Listen to a devotional study: the story of Elijah from the Bible (1 Kings 19) and how God provided for him during a time of despair and exhaustion.- Learn about the importance of rest and receiving care, rather than pushing through challenges alone.- The science behind kindness and touch, and how they can boost the immune system and lower stress hormones.- The importance of recognizing when you need rest and permission to unplug.- How God meets us in our exhaustion and offers tangible care.- Practical soul care tips, including the soothing benefits of drinking tea and breathing exercises.- The role of kindness, both given and received, in boosting emotional and physical well-being. Breath Prayer:  (inhale) Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him / (exhale) for he shields him all day longScripture: "Let the beloved of the Lord rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long. And the one the Lord loves rests between his shoulders.” Deut.3:12Soul Care Tip: Discover the scientific benefits of brewing a cup of peppermint and chamomile tea to calm emotions and reduce anxiety. LINKS &amp; RESOURCES -  Recommended Teas: Harney’s Organic Peppermint Tea: https://amzn.to/4cErymQ  &amp; Organic Chamomile Lavender https://amzn.to/47856RZ -  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment! -  Subscribe to FREE Breathe Newsletter for devotions &amp; wellness tips: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/ -  Get Bonnie's Bestseller book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less": https://amzn.to/4azae1K -  Join Soul Care School: http://mysoulcareschool.com -  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
How to Find Peace under Pressure & Overcome Stress with God's Love #132
August 23, 2024 - 17 min
Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life? In this episode, Bonnie explores how to find peace in the midst of stress by connecting with God's loving words of affirmation. Learn to release anxiety and embrace calm through practical soul care tips, including a powerful breath prayer and the soothing effects of aromatherapy.Tune into this episode to discover how God’s presence can transform your pressures into peace, and how natural scents can help you restore calm to your mind and body.Key Takeaways:- Understand how Jesus offers peace in the midst of trouble - Practice deep breathing to restore calm with scripture- Learn how to use breath prayers to lower stress and invite God's peace into your day.- Reflect on how God guides you to take the next step in challenging times- The science behind aromatherapy and its benefits for emotional well-being.- Practical soul care tips to incorporate calming scents into your daily routine.Breath Prayer: (inhale) God leads me in triumph / (exhale)  Revealing the fragrance of Christ Scriptures: "But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ and through us reveals the fragrance of the knowledge of him in every place." 2 Cor. 2:14 Soul Care Tip: Discover the effective benefits of natural scents like eucalyptus and lavender to help reduce stress and anxiety, LINKS &amp; RESOURCES- Eucalyptus Shower Steamers to Lower Stress: https://amzn.to/4dsO3MX- Subscribe to my FREE Breathe Newsletter for devotions &amp; tips: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/-  Take my FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment!-  Get Bonnie's Bestseller book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less": https://amzn.to/4azae1K-  Ask Bonnie Questions at https://bit.ly/askbreathe-  Join Soul Care School: http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
How to Calm Anxiety in Times of Uncertainty & Feel God's Peace in Your Heart #131
August 12, 2024 - 17 min
What do you do when anxiety strikes during uncertain times? In this episode, Bonnie explores practical ways to calm your mind and heart when faced with the unknown. Learn to anchor your soul in God’s promises and discover simple, effective strategies to reduce stress and embrace peace.Listen and deepen your connection with God and equip yourself with tools to navigate uncertainty with confidence and calm.Renew God's peace in daily life using a powerful breath, prayer, and Scripture. Learn a practical soul care tip and simple actions you can take to restore calm to your emotions and body.Subscribe to the Breathe Newsletter to meditate on God's peace, scripture, and soul care: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/ Key Takeaways:- Breath Prayer: Discover how breath prayers can ground you in God’s presence during anxious moments.- The importance of taking small steps and trusting in God's presence during times of uncertainty.- Learn why anxiety is triggered by uncertainty.- Stop negative worst-case thinking by taking practical steps and trusting in God's presence. Breath Prayer: (inhale) You go before me and follow me. / (exhale) You place your hand of blessing on my head. Scripture: "You go before me and follow me. You place your hand of blessing on my head." - Psalm 139:5Soul Care Tip: Discover the surprising impact of hydration on your stress levels and overall wellnessLINKS &amp; RESOURCES-  Subscribe to FREE weekly Breathe Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/ -  Take a FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com – your wellness assessment! -  Get Bonnie's Bestseller book "Breathe: 21 Days to Stress Less": https://amzn.to/4azae1K- Ask Bonnie Questions at https://bit.ly/askbreathe-  Join Soul Care School: http://mysoulcareschool.com-  Follow Bonnie at www.instagram.com/thebonniegray &amp; www.facebook.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.
Previous
1 of 17
Next
Meet Your Host
Meet Your Host
Bonnie Gray is the author of Finding Spiritual Whitespace and Whispers of Rest. An inspirational speaker and retreat leader, she has touched thousands of lives through storytelling, visual arts, nature, prayer and meditation. Bonnie’s writing is featured at Relevant Magazine, (in)courage, and Christianity Today. She lives in California with her husband and their two sons.
Podcasts About Us Contact Us Newsletters