Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

LifeAudio
  • 4.7 (183)
  • 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. MAY 18

    Overwhelmed by Life? Finding Peace When You’re in the Middle of a Storm #212

    Have you ever felt suddenly overwhelmed… like your mind won’t stop spinning trying to figure everything out? Maybe something unexpected happened, and now you feel emotionally exhausted, tense, anxious, or unsure what to do next. The more you try to solve everything, the more overwhelmed you feel. In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story about getting caught in a dangerous storm in her life —and how it gave insight into navigating life challenges.You’ll discover what helps calm your body and emotions and what you can do to meet with Jesus n the middle of uncertainty.If you’ve been feeling emotionally flooded, weary, or weighed down by stress, this episode will help you breathe deeper, quiet your heart, and experience God’s peace right beside you.Key Takeaways- Why overwhelming situations can push your body into stress and survival mode- How quietness and rest help calm your nervous system
- What science says about chronic noise, stress, and emotional well-being- Why Jesus offers His presence before He offers explanations
- A simple practice to release stress when life feels uncertainBreath PrayerInhale: Take heart; it is IExhale: Do not be afraidScripture“Take heart; it is I. Do not be afraid.”
— Mark 6:50“Even to your old age I will be the same,
And even to your graying years I will carry you!
I have done it, and I will bear you;
And I will carry you and I will save you.”
— Isaiah 46:4→  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.

    17 min

  2. MAY 11

    Feeling Off? Why You Don’t Need to Hold Everything In (And What To Do Instead) #211

    Do you tend to keep your feelings to yourself… especially when you’re upset?Maybe you tell yourself nothing will change, or you don’t want to affect others—so you stay quiet and carry it on your own. But even when you try to move on, something still feels heavy inside.In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal moment of how she learned to express difficult emotions to release hidden stress she's been carrying.You’ll discover why holding in your emotions can leave you feeling stuck—and how sharing what you feel, even quietly with God, can help calm your body, bring emotional relief, and remind you that you’re not alone.If you’ve been feeling “off,” this episode will help you gently release stress you're carrying and experience God’s comfort in a real, personal way. Key Takeaways Why unexpressed emotions can leave you feeling stuck and overwhelmed How sharing your emotions helps your body and mind feel calmer What science says about putting feelings verbally into words and emotional regulation How God meets you with compassion when you open your heart to Him A simple practice to release hidden stresses and help you feel better Breath PrayerInhale: Turn to me and be gracious to meExhale: for I am lonely and afflicted Scripture“Turn to me and be gracious to me,
for I am lonely and afflicted.
The troubles of my heart are enlarged;
bring me out of my distresses.” Psalm 25:16–17   Research Referenced in This Episode • Affect labeling reduces emotional distress (Lieberman et al.)https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17576282/ • Expressive writing and emotional health (APA overview)https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/expressive-writing• The health benefits of spirituality and prayer (Harvard Health)https://hsph.harvard.edu/news/spirituality-better-health-outcomes-patient-care/  Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:  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/  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/    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.

    16 min

  3. MAY 4

    Want to Get Out of Your Head? Try This 1-Minute Practice #210

    Do you feel busy all the time… getting things done… but still stuck in your head?Maybe your mind won’t slow down. You keep thinking, planning, or replaying things—and even when you try to rest, you don’t feel at peace.In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story about learning to step away from busyness and recognize God’s invitation to wellness—and how what looks like empty space can actually be where God brings renewal and clarity.You’ll discover how a simple, one-minute practice can calm your body, settle your emotions, and help you reconnect with God—so you can step out of stress and feel refreshed again.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or stuck in your thoughts, this episode will help you slow down, experience God’s presence, and find peace in the middle of a busy life.Key Takeaways Why busyness can keep you stuck in your headHow stepping away creates space for God to restore youWhat science says about slow breathing and calming your bodyHow breath prayer helps you reconnect with God and find peaceA simple one-minute practice to help you feel calm and refreshed Breath PrayerInhale: Come away with me…
Exhale: Rest awhile…Scripture“Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.”
— Mark 6:31 "How Breath Control Can Change Your Life" by Frontiers in Neuroscience→ https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/human-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2018.00353/full → 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.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/subscribeWatch 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.

    16 min

  4. APR 27

    3 Morning Routines to Help You Feel Better, Healthier & Energized #209

    Do you want to feel better, lighter, and more energized… but don’t know where to start?Maybe you’ve tried to make changes before, but they felt overwhelming or hard to maintain. Or you’re simply feeling tired and need something gentle that actually works.In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story from a recent moment that reminded her how small changes can create real, visible transformation over time—and why those little steps matter more than we think.You’ll discover how simple morning routines can support your physical health, emotional wellbeing, and your connection with God—helping you feel more refreshed and grounded each day.If you’ve been wanting to take better care of yourself without pressure or perfection, this episode will help you start small, feel encouraged, and experience real change.Key Takeaways:Why small changes can create meaningful, lasting transformationHow your morning routine shapes your energy, mood, and focusWhat science says about hydration, nourishment, and stress regulationWhy creating space to listen to God brings peace and clarityThree simple morning practices to help you feel better, lighter, and energizedBreath Prayer:Inhale: Speak, Lord…Exhale: I am listening…Scripture:“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening.”— 1 Samuel 3:9 "The Morning Routine That Will Help You Live to 100, According to Longevity Experts:https://www.realsimple.com/morning-routine-to-live-to-100-8759811   "Warm Water in the Morning: Is It Healthier?"→  https://www.uvahealth.com/healthy-balance/warm-water-healthier-myths-facts/ → 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.

    18 min

  5. APR 20

    Feeling Burned Out? You Need Beginner’s Joy #208

    Do you feel tired of always giving… always showing up… always being the one others rely on?Maybe you’ve been carrying responsibilities for so long, you don’t even remember what it feels like to simply receive.In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story of returning to a childhood place of faith and experiencing unexpected healing— without needing to lead, perform, or have a role.You’ll discover the science behind how constantly giving can lead to burnout—and how stepping into “beginner’s joy” can help you feel better, lighter, and energized again.If you’ve been feeling drained or overwhelmed, this episode will help you experience rest, reconnect with God in a gentle way, and rediscover the science of joy without pressure.Key Takeaways Why always being the one who gives can lead to burnout What “beginner’s joy” is and how it helps you receive again The Science: How a beginner’s mindset reduces stress and renews your energy Why experiencing life (not controlling it) brings peace and joy A simple practice to help you rest, receive, and feel refreshed Breath PrayerInhale: Come to me, all who are weary…
Exhale: I will give you rest… Scripture“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
— Matthew 11:28 "Sweet Like Jasmine" by Bonnie GrayMemoir of the Year by ECPA→  https://amzn.to/4dIEE3b "Beginners: The Joy and Transformative Power of Lifelong Learning" by Tom Vanderbilt→  https://amzn.to/41FKMFS → 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.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.

    16 min

  6. APR 13

    How to Stop Replaying Negative Thoughts (And Choose Prayerful Optimism Instead) #207

    Do you keep replaying something in your mind… wishing you had done it differently?Maybe it’s a conversation, a decision, or a moment you regret. And no matter how much you think about it, you can’t seem to find peace.In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story about a stressful experience that caught her in a loop of replaying negative thoughts,  and how she moved from anxiety into calm, hopeful action.You’ll discover why replaying negative thoughts increases stress and keeps you stuck—and how choosing prayerful optimism can free you to a healthier perspective. If you’ve been stuck replaying something from the past, this episode will help you release regret, feel supported by God’s presence, and take your next step forward with peace.Key Takeaways Why replaying negative thoughts keeps you stuck in stress How “prayerful optimism” shifts your perspective without ignoring reality What science says about rumination and emotional well-being How imagining Jesus with you creates safety and clarity A simple practice to interrupt replay loops and return to peaceBreath PrayerInhale: I cast my anxiety on You…
Exhale: Because You care for me… Scripture“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.”
— 1 Peter 5:7   → 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 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

  7. APR 6

    Why Trying to Figure Everything Out, Stresses You Out (And What to Do Instead) #206

    Why does trying to figure everything out leave you feeling more stressed? When life feels uncertain, it’s natural to want to solve things — to plan ahead, think through every possibility, and make sure everything will be okay. But what if that constant effort to “figure it all out” is actually what’s exhausting you?In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story that reveals why our instinct to “figure everything out” can actually work against our peace—and what we truly need instead in seasons of uncertainty. 

You’ll discover why stress increases when we try to solve what can’t be resolved right away, and how God invites us to receive grace in the present moment instead. Bonnie also shares a simple, science-supported soul care practice that can calm your nervous system, interrupt stress loops, and help you return to peace.If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, mentally exhausted, or stuck trying to figure everything out, this episode will help you slow down, release the pressure, and care for your soul right where you are. Key Takeaways Why trying to figure everything out increases stress How new beginnings need gentleness, not pressure  What science says about rumination and emotional stress  How shifting to the present moment calms your body and mind  A simple practice to interrupt stress loops and return to peace Breath PrayerInhale: Let us draw near with confidenceExhale: to receive grace in my time of need Scripture“Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Heb.4:16   → 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 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

  8. MAR 30

    When Life Feels Uncertain — How to Move Forward with Peace & Confidence #205

    What do you do when life feels uncertain… and you’re not quite sure what’s next?Maybe you’re stepping into a new season. Letting go of what once felt certain. Or facing something that feels impossible to change.In moments like this, it’s easy to feel unsettled.But what if you could move forward with peace and quiet confidence — even before everything becomes clear?In this episode, Bonnie shares how she’s navigating her current season of change — and what it looks like to move forward with peace and quiet confidence when life feels uncertain.You’ll also explore the science about how faith reshapes what feels impossible, and why hearing stories of transformation can improve your wellness.If you’re walking through a season of uncertainty, this episode will help you move forward with peace — and trust the next chapter God is writing.Key Takeaways How to move forward with peace in seasons of uncertainty Why letting go of control is part of stepping into a new chapter Science: How faith reframes what feels impossible Why your story of faith matters — even when nothing has changed yet  How hearing others’ testimonies can reignite your hope Breath PrayerInhale: With God…Exhale: Nothing is impossible… Scripture“For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37 Listen & Be Encouraged Anthony Logan’s Story of Faith(Interview with Glen Scrivener — Speak Life)https://youtu.be/hwuTcc4qvno?si=mlOEykzsCyogYBLB Wesley Huff on Diary of a CEO(Interview with Steven Bartlett) https://youtu.be/nrwNSSyKuD4?si=UZ42XZKmUohLKOqT CeCe Winans - Believe For Ithttps://youtu.be/fd24fpsF1Qw?si=AwPpabJ0sDc6tpWq   → 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.

    19 min
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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
    237
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

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