Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

LifeAudio
  • 4.7 (185)
  • 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. 1d ago

    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.

    15 min

  2. 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.

    18 min

  3. 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.

    19 min

  4. May 26

    Had a Tough Week? Here’s What Your Heart Needs Most #213

    Have you had one of those weeks where everything seems to pile up at once?Unexpected stress. Health worries. Financial pressure. Too many fires to put out. And by the end of the week, your heart just feels tired.In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story about a stressful week filled, unexpected expenses, painful health setbacks, and emotional exhaustion—and how Jesus gently met her in the middle of it all.You’ll discover why hard weeks affect both your emotions and nervous system, how sharing your fears with Jesus brings comfort and safety, and why laughter and moments of joy are actually restorative for your body, mind, and spirit.If your heart has been feeling weary lately, this episode will help you breathe deeper, feel less alone, and receive the comfort and care Jesus wants to give you right now.Key Takeaways- Why hard weeks leave us emotionally and physically drained- How Jesus meets us gently as our Good Shepherd- What science says about laughter, stress relief, and nervous system recovery- Why emotional safety helps us release fear and discouragement-  Simple soul care practices that help your heart rest and recover Breath PrayerInhale: The Lord is my shepherdExhale: I shall not wantInhale: Even though I walk through the valleyExhale: You are with me Scripture“The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.” Psalm 23:1“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,I will fear no evil, for you are with me;your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Psalm 23:4“I am the good shepherd.” John 10:11→  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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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4.7
out of 5
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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
    241
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

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