Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

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/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.com  

  1. 3d ago

    Why Choosing Joy Isn't Selfish — And Why Your Brain, Body & Soul Need It #223

    Have you ever felt guilty for doing something that brings you joy? What if choosing joy isn't selfish—but one of the ways Jesus invites you to receive His kindness and care for your heart?In this episode, Bonnie shares a touching story of an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger that transformed her understanding of soul care. Discover the surprising science behind joy, why it matters for your brain, body, and soul, and one simple practice that can help you receive God's love and experience greater emotional and spiritual wellness.Key Takeaways– What is "default guilt" & How it affects your wellness– Why choosing joy isn't selfish—and why your brain, body, and soul need it.– The science of "anticipatory joy" to calm your nervous system and supports emotional wellness– The surprising connection between receiving kindness and deeper soul healing– A simple practice to help you let go of guilt and choose joy this weekBreath Prayer
Inhale: God takes great delight in meExhale: He will rejoice over me with singingScripture
“The Lord your God is with you… He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph. 3:17 → Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray → Read Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd  →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store   Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  2. Jul 20

    Soak Up the Morning Light: The Science Behind Emotional Wellness & Your Soul Glow Up #222

    What if one simple morning habit could help you sleep better, lower stress, and bring more peace to your day?In this third episode of the Summer Soul Glow Up series, Bonnie shares how learning the science of morning light helped reset her sleep — and how she's adjusting her summer glow up practice in the midst of a tough season to meet with God and receive His peace.If you've been waking up anxious, feeling emotionally drained, or longing to begin your day with more hope, this episode will encourage you to discover how God's design for your body can become a pathway to caring for your soul.Key Takeaways— Why morning light helps reset your body's internal clock
— The surprising connection between sunlight, sleep, and emotional well-being— How one simple morning practice can calm fear and renew hope
— Why caring for your body can open your heart to God
— A gentle soul care rhythm to begin each day with peaceBreath Prayer
Inhale: Speak, Lord...
Exhale: I am listeningScripture
"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10 → Bible-in-a-Year Plan by Biblica (on the Bible App)The International Bible Societyhttps://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/19038 → Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray → Free Devotional Gift  Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/  →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store   Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray  Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  3. Jul 13

    Can Skincare Become Soul Care? Why Your Glow Matters to God #221

    Have you ever felt guilty for taking care of yourself?What if your skincare routine could become an act of soul care?In this second episode of the Summer Soul Glow Up series, Bonnie shares how preparing for ankle surgery led her to discover the surprising science of protein and healthy skin—and what Queen Esther teaches about God's heart for caring for ourselves.If you've been putting yourself last or wondering if self-care is selfish, this episode will encourage you to receive God's invitation to care for yourself with joy, gratitude, and freedom.Key Takeaways— Why caring for your outer self can become soul care— The science of protein, healing, and healthy skin— What Queen Esther teaches about beauty and your God-given worth— Why healing begins when you know your priority— A simple self-care practice to nourish your body and soulBreath PrayerInhale: You are altogether beautiful...Exhale: There is no flaw in you.Scripture"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." — Song of Songs 4:7 → Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray → Free Devotional Gift  Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store  Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  4. Jun 29

    Let This Be the Summer You Glow Again: The Science of Joy #220

    When was the last time you planned something simply because it would make you smile?So many women spend the summer making memories for everyone else while quietly putting their own joy on hold. But what if creating just one thing to look forward to could actually lower your stress and help you experience more peace?In this first episode of the Summer Soul Glow Up series, Bonnie shares a personal story about discovering how making room for joy changed the emotional atmosphere she created for her family. As she prepares for ankle surgery this summer, Bonnie reflects on how choosing delight—even in a difficult season—has become a sacred act of soul care.Through Scripture and the science of anticipatory joy, you'll discover why looking forward to something meaningful can renew hope, calm your nervous system, and remind you that your joy matters to God.If you've been putting yourself last, feeling emotionally drained, or wondering how to find joy in the middle of a difficult season, this episode will encourage you to make room for delight again, one small moment at a time.Key Takeaways— Why planning something joyful can lower stress and increase hope— The science of anticipatory joy and how dopamine supports emotional wellness— Why your emotional presence becomes someone else's emotional memory— How making room for your own joy blesses the people you love— A simple soul care practice to help you create your own Summer Glow List— Why God delights when you delight in the gifts He's given youBreath PrayerInhale: Delight yourself in the Lord...Exhale: And He will give you the desires of your heart.Scripture"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." — Psalm 37:4 Key Takeaways — Why our minds naturally focus on worst-case scenarios— The difference between fear's what-ifs and faith's perspective— How Jesus comforts us in seasons of uncertainty— What to notice to calm an anxious heart— The science of negativity bias and emotional wellness— A simple soul care practice to help you move from fear to faith Breath Prayer Inhale: This is the wayExhale: Walk in it Scripture "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" Isaiah 30:21→ Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray →  Free Devotional Gift  Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store   Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray  Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  5. Jun 22

    Overwhelmed by What-Ifs? Do This & Move from Fear to Faith #219

    Do your thoughts ever get stuck in a cycle of what-ifs? What if something goes wrong? What if things don't work out? What if I'm not ready for what's ahead? In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story about preparing for surgery and the unexpected moment that reminded her she wasn't walking through the valley alone. Through scripture & science of negativity bias, you'll discover why our minds naturally focus on fear—and a simple soul care practice that can help you shift your attention from the shadows to the Shepherd. If you're facing uncertainty, waiting for answers, navigating a health challenge, or feeling overwhelmed by what-ifs, this episode will encourage you to move from fear to faith—one step at a time. Key Takeaways — Why our minds naturally focus on worst-case scenarios— The difference between fear's what-ifs and faith's perspective— How Jesus comforts us in seasons of uncertainty— What to notice to calm an anxious heart— The science of negativity bias and emotional wellness— A simple soul care practice to help you move from fear to faith Breath Prayer Inhale: This is the wayExhale: Walk in it Scripture "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'" Isaiah 30:21 →  Free Devotional Gift  Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store  Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegrayBestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  6. Jun 15

    What to Do When Life Takes an Unexpected Turn #218

    Have you ever felt like you signed up for one thing... only to find yourself on a completely different path? Maybe you thought a challenge would last a few weeks, but it turned into months. Maybe you expected life to move in one direction, and suddenly everything changed. In this episode, Bonnie shares a remarkable story about a race that went unexpectedly off course—and the surprising lesson it taught her about trusting God through uncertainty. You'll learn one of the most important keys to emotional wellness and resilience during difficult seasons based on research in psychology—and it may surprise you. If you're facing a setback, disappointment, delay, health challenge, or season of unexpected change, this episode will encourage you to keep moving forward with Jesus one step at a time.Key Takeaways— What to do when life doesn't go according to plan— Why unexpected detours don't mean you're on the wrong path— How to keep moving forward when a challenge lasts longer than expected— The difference between resilience and simply trying harder— Why support and connection are essential for emotional wellness— How asking for prayer can strengthen you during difficult seasons— A simple soul care practice to help you stop running aloneBreath PrayerInhale: Let us run with enduranceExhale: Looking to JesusScripture"Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith." Hebrews 12:1–2→ CNN: "9-year-old accidentally won a 10K race"https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/01/us/runner-misses-turn-wins-race-trnd →  Free Devotional Gift  Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. →  Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/  →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store   Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray  Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  7. Jun 8

    Making a Big Decision? Here's What Helped Me Find Peace #217

    Have you ever found yourself waiting for one more sign from God?One more confirmation? One more reassurance? One more reason to feel certain before moving forward.In this episode, Bonnie shares a deeply personal story about one of the hardest decisions she's made in recent years and a surprising discovery about finding peace rather than more answers.You'll discover why indecision can quietly drain your emotional energy and why letting go of even something beautiful may sometimes be part of stepping into a new season with Jesus.If you've been wrestling with a decision, waiting for more confirmation, or feeling stuck between staying and moving forward, this episode will encourage you to trust God's leading and find peace in the next step.Key Takeaways— Why indecision can quietly drain your emotional energy— The difference between having peace in your mind and experiencing peace in your soul— How to recognize when God may be inviting you to take a step of faith— What Isaiah 43 teaches us about God's new work in our lives— The psychology of "flow" and why losing track of time can be a sign of greater wellbeing— A simple soul care practice to help you create space for peace Breath PrayerInhale: See, I am doing a new thingExhale: Do you not perceive it?Scripture"See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland." Isaiah 43:19→  Free Devotional Gift  Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most. →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store  Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

  8. Jun 1

    How to Break Free from Self-Doubt and Embrace Who God Created You to Be #216

    Do you know God loves you… but somehow you don’t always feel it? You know you’re valuable to God. Yet when it’s time to set boundaries, pursue what brings you joy, take care of yourself, or believe your needs matter, you hesitate. Why? In this episode, Bonnie explores why knowing the truth in your head isn’t always enough to change how you feel about yourself. Through personal story, the power of labels, and scripture, you’ll discover how self-doubt often grows from identities we’ve accepted that were never meant to define us. You’ll learn how God reshapes your identity, why self-affirmation research matters, and a simple soul care practice to live with more confidence. If you’ve ever struggled to feel confident, worthy, beautiful, or enough, this episode will help you. Key Takeaways  - Why knowing God loves you isn’t always the same as feeling loved  - How labels shape self-doubt and confidence - Why God renames people throughout Scripture  - What science says about self-affirmation and emotional resilience  - How embracing God’s delight can transform your wellness - A practical exercise to help you break free of self-doubt & experience your God-given identity Breath Prayer Inhale: You will be called My Delight Exhale: The Lord delights in you Scripture “You will no longer be called Forsaken…but you will be called My Delight…for the Lord delights in you.” Isaiah 62:4 “To him who overcomes…I will give him a white stone and a new name written on the stone.” Rev 2:17 → 🎁 Free Devotional Gift✨ Download your free devotional: Bonnie’s FREE “Find Your Joy with Jesus: A 4-Day Devotional.”https://thebonniegray.com/findyourjoydevotional/ Prioritize self-care the Jesus way and experience rest, renewal, and encouragement for your soul. → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: ✨  Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ ✨  Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/ ✨  Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Lifegiving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HeartRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/ ✅  Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most. 🛍️ →  Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store 💌 Join the Soul Care Newsletter:https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe 🎥 Watch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray 📚 Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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About

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/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.com  

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