Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

LifeAudio
  • 4.7 (180)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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. 5D AGO

    Why Being Helpful Drains You & What the Stress Is Trying to Show You #202

    Have you ever said yes to something you technically had time for… only to feel emotionally drained afterward? You weren’t overbooked.You weren’t incapable.And yet something felt heavy.If helping others leaves you exhausted — even when you’re good at it — your stress may be telling you something deeper.In this episode, Bonnie explores why emotional exhaustion is often an identity signal rather than just a workload problem. Through one encounter with Jesus and a fresh look at Isaiah 43, you’ll discover the better question to ask when you feel tired — and the new thing God may be inviting you to step into. Key Takeaways Why being helpful can quietly drain you emotionally How identity — not workload — often drives exhaustion Why emotional capacity matters more than external capacity The deeper question to ask when you feel tired How Isaiah 43 reframes stress as an invitation into something new Breath PrayerInhale: Do not dwell on the past…Exhale: See, I am doing a new thing…Inhale: I am making a way in the wilderness…Exhale: Rivers in the desert… Scripture “Do not call to mind the former things;do not dwell in the past.See, I am doing a new thing!I am making a way in the wildernessand rivers in the desert.”— Isaiah 43:18–19 Pastor Dan Westman Video Message"Healing for the Soul" at Peninsula Bible Churchhttps://www.youtube.com/live/prGXpfamHvk?si=vhyDxJnltPi91vJ7&t=2475   → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:  Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering) A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His LoveRegister at https://soulcareschool.mykajabi.com/offers/mqr8VY2X/checkout Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/ Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HearRegister 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 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    18 min

  2. FEB 23

    The Surprising Path Back to Joy #201

    Have you been pushing through something important… but without joy?Sometimes we do all the right things — show up, work hard, stay responsible — and yet something still feels heavy. What if joy isn’t a luxury add-on to life, but a signal your soul needs to pay attention to?In this episode, Bonnie shares the powerful story behind Olympic gold medalist Alysa Liu’s decision to step away from skating — and how her return reveals something essential about wellness. Together, we explore what Psalm 23 teaches about restoration, why joy matters more than achievement, and how returning to “green pastures” can change the way you make decisions.You’ll also learn how singing familiar hymns can calm your nervous system and become a simple, powerful practice for peace. Key Takeaways Why joy is not optional for true wellness How striving without joy increases emotional burden What science says about joy, singing, and nervous system regulation A simple question that can help you rediscover your “green pastures”  Breath PrayerInhale: The Lord is my Shepherd…Exhale: I shall not be in want… Scripture “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want.He makes me lie down in green pastures.He leads me beside quiet waters.”— Psalm 23:1–2   → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:   Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering) A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His LoveRegister at https://soulcareschool.mykajabi.com/offers/mqr8VY2X/checkout  Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/ Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HearRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/ Alysa Liu Interview QuotesUS Figure Skating: https://usfigureskating.org/news/2026/2/20/national-team-figure-skating-liu-reigns-golden-in-milan.aspx#:~:text=I%20want%20to%20be%20a,I'm%20super%20stoked%20for%20that.%22 USA Today: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2026/02/19/alysa-liu-gold-medal-win-figure-skating-life-story/88768898007/   → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com Get 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 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    17 min

  3. FEB 16

    You Don’t Have to Fix it All: The Power of “Not Now” #200

    Do you ever feel responsible for fixing things the moment they appear?Maybe it’s not big anxiety. It’s just a subtle, steady pressure to reply, fix, improve, or mentally process everything the moment it appears. That quiet activation can keep your nervous system on alert all day long.In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a personal story about how even “rest” can quietly turn into another performance — and how learning to say “Not now” helped her lower background stress and retrain the urgency reflex.This episode explores micro-activation stress — the hidden pressure to treat every thought like a task — and why small, non-productive moments may be exactly what your nervous system needs to reset. Key Takeaways Why the mind stays activated even when nothing is wrongHow God values non-productive time unseen by othersWhat happens in the brain when you delay urgency instead of responding immediatelyOne simple soul care practice that lowers background tension and increases presenceBreath PrayerInhale: Go into your room and pray to your Father who is in secret. Exhale: And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”Scripture“Go into your room, shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:65   → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:   Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering) A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His LoveRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-lent/ Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://soulcareschool.mykajabi.com/offers/mqr8VY2X/checkout  Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/  Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HearRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/   → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com Get 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 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    19 min

  4. FEB 9

    Quieting the Worried Mind: Why Encouragement Matters More Than You Think #199

    Have you been feeling worn down, but telling yourself you shouldn’t be?
Maybe you feel like you’re doing everything right — yet your heart feels heavy, your energy feels low, and your mind doesn’t quite feel at rest.When we live under pressure for a long time, our minds can become depleted — not because we’re doing too much, but because we haven’t been encouraged. Worry can linger, and our inner world can feel noisy and unsettled.In today’s episode, Bonnie shares her personal story about turning off her worry mind in a surprising way. This episode explores why encouragement matters more than we think for wellness and offers 2 powerful soul care practices to help your mind rest in something life-giving again.Key Takeaways Why a tired mind doesn’t always need more rest — sometimes it needs encouragementHow kind words and meaningful voices give the mind a place to restWhy anxiety narrows our attention, and encouragement helps the mind breatheTwo powerful soul care practices to help quiet mental noise and nourish your heartBreath PrayerInhale: Anxiety weighs down a heartExhale: But a kind word cheers it up.Scripture“Anxiety weighs down a heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.”
Proverbs 12:25 Bible in a Year Reading Plan (by Biblica): https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/19038-bible-in-a-year-365-day-reading-plan  → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:   Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering) A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His LoveRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-lent/ Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/ Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HearRegister 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 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    19 min

  5. FEB 2

    Stopping Overthinking: How Small Moments Lift a Weary Mind #198

    Do you ever notice how easily your mind scans for what’s unfinished, worrying, or not quite right — even when there’s nothing urgent demanding your attention?When we’ve lived under responsibility or pressure for a long time, our minds can become wired to stay on alert. Even in seasons of rest, thoughts keep looping — replaying what could go wrong next — leaving us mentally weary and unable to fully settle. In today’s episode, Bonnie reflects on a surprising realization from her sabbatical that gently interrupted this pattern. This episode explores how small, positive moments help lift mental weariness, why noticing what’s quietly good can soften overthinking, and a simple soul care practice to help your mind rest without forcing it. think, and a simple soul care practice to help you notice and receive the good God is already growing in your life. Key TakeawaysWhy overthinking isn’t a personal failure — it’s often a sign of mental fatigueHow small, positive moments help ease mental weariness over timeWhy noticing the good can gently interrupt worry loopsA simple soul care practice to help you lift overthinking by receiving one small good moment each day Breath PrayerInhale: If I have faith as small as a mustard seedExhale: Nothing will be impossible Scripture: “Truly I tell you, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed… nothing will be impossible for you.” Matthew 17:20→ Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/ Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/ Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HearRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/ Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering) A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His LoveRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-lent/   → 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/subscribeWatch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegrayBestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    19 min

  6. JAN 26

    Soft Soul Glow-Up: Facing Fear with Care Instead of Pushing Through #197

    Do you find yourself avoiding something important — not because you don’t care, but because fear rises in your body every time you think about it? Even when we know we’re safe, fear can linger in our nervous system. Our body tightens. Our breath shortens. And instead of moving forward, we quietly push the fear away — carrying the stress on our own. In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a deeply personal story about facing a long-held fear not by pushing herself to be brave, but by allowing care and God’s presence to meet her where fear lived in her body. This episode introduces a Soft Soul Glow-Up — learning how to face fear with gentleness and care instead of pressure and self-reliance. You’ll discover why fear doesn’t mean you lack faith, how the body heals through presence and connection, and a simple soul care practice to help you face something you may be avoiding — without doing it alone. Key TakeawaysWhy fear doesn’t mean you lack faith — it often means your body learned to protect youHow choosing care over pushing creates space for peace and healingWhy the nervous system calms through connection, not logic aloneA gentle soul care practice to help you face fear without forcing yourself throughBreath PrayerInhale: When I am afraid…Exhale: I put my trust in You.Scripture“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Psalm 56:3  → Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses: Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/ Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HearRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/ Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering) A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His LoveRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-lent/ → 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/subscribeWatch YouTube Devotionals:https://youtube.com/thebonniegray Bestselling Books by Bonnie:https://amzn.to/3NpVYQdFollow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    19 min

  7. JAN 19

    Dear Overly Responsible One: It's Okay to Rest #196

    Do you find yourself being the one everyone relies on — the responsible one, the capable one, the one who holds everything together? If you’re overly responsible, rest can start to feel impractical, joy gets postponed, and peace becomes something you hope to get to later — after everything else is taken care of. In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a deeply personal story about laying down over-responsibility. Through Scripture, neuroscience, and soul care, this episode gently invites you to make space for peace and joy — not by doing more, but by letting go.This episode will help you recognize how over-responsibility shapes your inner life and offer a compassionate path toward rest, safety, and renewal — without pressure or obligation.Key TakeawaysWhy being overly responsible often leaves little room for rest and joy
How Jesus’ invitation to “lay down your nets” can lead to peace instead of pressure
Why chronic responsibility keeps the nervous system on alert — even during good One soul care practice to help you release stress & renew peace & joyBreath Prayer
Inhale: I lay down my netsExhale: I follow You in peaceToday's Scripture:“Then Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’
Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.”
Matthew 4:19–20 (NIV)  → Take Bonnie's Most-Loved Soul Care Courses:  Breathe Rest with Jesus:A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/ Breathe Joy with Jesus:Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's PromisesRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/Praying the Psalms for Wellness:A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your HearRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/ Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering) A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His LoveRegister at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-lent/  → Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.com Get 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 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    26 min

  8. JAN 12

    3 Steps to Live with More Peace and Less Pressure This Year #195

    Do you feel like you’ve been pushing your way through life — even when your heart longs for more peace? As a new year begins, many of us want things to feel different. Less pressure. More ease. More space to breathe. Yet instead of slowing down, we often find ourselves doing what we’ve always done: moving faster, carrying more, and pushing through — even when our body and soul are tired. In today’s episode, Bonnie shares a deeply personal story about injury, slowing down, and learning to walk in a new way — physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This episode will help you release pressure, listen to your body, and step into a gentler, more life-giving way of living — one step at a time. Key Takeaways Why so much of our stress comes from living under pressure — not from doing something wrong How learning to slow down can open space for emotional and spiritual renewal Why the nervous system doesn’t calm through logic but through felt safety One simple soul care practice to help you nurture peace instead of pushing harder\ Breath PrayerInhale: Put off the old and put on the newExhale: By the renewing of my mindScripture
“Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life…
be renewed in the spirit of your minds,
and put on the new self, created to be like God.”
Ephesians 4:22–24 (NIV)   → 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 Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:@thebonniegray Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

    19 min
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4.7
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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  

Information

  • Channel
    LifeAudio
  • Creator
    Bonnie Gray - Soul Care Coach and Author of Sweet Like Jasmine, Whispers of Rest, and Finding Spiritual Whitespace
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    227
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

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