Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

Bonnie explores storge love – familial love or instinctual affection -- in the Bible. Children are experiencing anxiety at an all-time high during the pandemic. A tender loving affection between parent and child will help relieve stress and anxiety. Learn 4 different ideas to provide the loving touch your children’s mental health will benefit from, to weather everyday stress & challenges Bonnie will share simple powerful practices to nurture affection with our children. Scripture: “Be devoted to one another in love – with genuine affection.” - Romans 12:10Soul Care Tip: The Power of Play, Give 3 Hugs a Day and Words of AffirmationScientific Research: Neurophysiology research shows benefits of play include: improved mood and well-being, reducing anxiety, depression, stimulating creativity, and enhancing relationships.Links & Resources from this Episode:How We Love by Kay Yerkovich and Milan Yerkovich: https://www.amazon.com/How-We-Love-Expanded-Discover/dp/0735290172/For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie explores eros love – romantic and sensual love in the Bible. What practices help you nurture romantic love to build affection in a loving marriage and while dating -- to protect it against stress? Bonnie discusses what are the practices of healthy marriages to weather conflicts and helps you invest in the “emotional bank account” of your spouse.Learn three simple, powerful ways to help lower the stress in love relationships and rekindle affection to create an atmosphere of emotional and physical intimacy.Scripture: "I am my beloved and my beloved belongs to me.” Song of Solomon 6:3Soul Care Tip: Write a love letter to your beloved, give a hug for 20 seconds, hold hands, schedule a date trying something new experience together.Scientific Research: Brain science shows that romantic love can be rekindled. Research shows how writing love letters, giving hugs, and creating new experiences (novelty) nurtures mental health wellness in both the giver and receiver, while sending the “falling in love” hormone dopamine into your bodies.Links & Resources from this Episode:7 Principles for Making Marriage Work by John Gottman, PhD: https://www.amazon.com/Seven-Principles-Making-Marriage-Work-ebook/dp/B00N6PEQV0/ For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies.Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Sign up for Bonnie’s Soul Care Newsletter for more soul care tips here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie kicks off her Love Series with philia love - sisterly/brother love. Learn three simple, powerful ways to nurture friendships that will improve your mental health, and your friends’ health too.Bonnie also discusses: how do we keep pursuing friendships if we get hurt? Why does showing love to others help our mental health and what does Jesus have to say about loving others, if friendships don't last and we feel rejected?Soul Care Tip - Send a card or gift to a friend this week!Links & Resources from this Episode:For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies.Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Sign up for Bonnie’s Soul Care Newsletter for more soul care tips here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/Ponomariova_Maria Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Learn the power of positive thoughts and how scripture uniquely empowers you to truly practice mindfulness and meditation to reduce stress. God’s presence and His peace will become soaked into your soul, as learn to use the simple meditative prayer practice of using your imagination.Scripture Referenced in This Episode:“Do not despise small beginnings, for the Lord rejoices to see the work begin.” - Zechariah 4:10 “You are my shelter and my shield. I put my hope in your word.” - Psalm 119:114Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: The Power of Positive ThoughtsBenefits of Eating FruitLinks + Resources from This Episode:For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies. Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Sign up for Bonnie’s Soul Care Newsletter for more soul care tips here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/Polar_lights Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode, Bonnie discusses how habits are most effectively formed. See how God’s promises keep us motivated, rather than focusing on regrets, obstacles and failures from the past. Rather than distracting yourself, use the power of God’s promises.Scripture: "I will restore to you the years that the swarming locusts has eaten.” Joel 2:24-25Soul Care Tip: Research shows nurturing a comfortable environment for yourself (no threats or guilt), and choosing easy, simple steps facilitate habit formation. What is one small thing you can do for yourself today?Bonnie walks you through the practice of praying God’s promises to keep yourself truly motivated. For links to this study & devotional, sign up for the BREATHE Newsletter here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422/Sign up for free Stories of Faith Journal at SweetLikeJasmine.comFollow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/Mkyyta_Dolmatov Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many of us live with general anxiety, but if we get curious about what is stressing us out and can specifically name it, then we can make changes to relieve that stress.Scripture: "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." Matt 11:28-30Care Tip & Scientific Research: Power of Finding your One Word, Research shows how naming what bothers you reduces stress, avoidance creates more stress, and how your body reduces stress with exercise.Links + Resources From This Episode:Research shows how naming what bothers you reduces stress, avoidance creates more stress, and how your body reduces stress with exercise.For links to this study & devotional, sign up for the BREATHE Newsletter here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Like-Jasmine-Identity-Loneliness/dp/0736983422/Sign up for free Stories of Faith Journal at SweetLikeJasmine.comFollow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/ilyaliren Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Stress increases when we feel forced to accept changes we wouldn’t choose for ourselves. This episode explores the message of choosing hope in the midst of finding your new normal and being empowered by radically doing something different that works for you. Inspired by the wise men and Joseph in the Christmas story, you’ll be empowered to talk your way to less stress as you step into the new year.Scripture: “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God. Speak tenderly to Jerusalem.”Isaiah 40:1Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Benefits of a 10-minute walk and a study on looking at trees to lower stress and anxiety.Links & Resources from this Episode:For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies.Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Sign up for Bonnie’s Soul Care Newsletter for more soul care tips here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/Grau_Art Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Many people feel guilty or selfish when they want to change traditions or plans for how to celebrate Christmas. Busyness is one of the biggest obstacles to experiencing a meaningful time with God and with family, in a way that would be less stressful. This episode arms you with you 6 different ways of celebrating Christmas that is scientifically proven to lower stress and boost happiness levels. Use these ideas to brainstorm and be reminded of how you best experience joy during the holidays. These ideas are inspired by the shepherds in the Christmas story.Scripture: "Put away all fear, for I am bringing you good news of great joy.“ - Luke 2:10Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: The healing practice of music therapy, lighting candles, enjoying hot coca, stargazing, engaging your five senses, and reading books.Links & Resources from this Episode:For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies.Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Sign up for Bonnie’s Soul Care Newsletter for more soul care tips here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: https://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/Grau_Art Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Are you overwhelmed and stressed right now? Many of us are; it’s common during the holiday season. In this special Christmas episode, Bonnie looks at the story of Mary and how she received the peace of God, and the soul care practice of breath prayers.Links & Resources from this Episode:For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies.Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Sign up for Bonnie’s Soul Care Newsletter for more soul care tips here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/Grau_Art Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

So much of the stress and dilemmas in life happen when we feel alone when we encounter hard times. The pandemic has brought us the opportunity to look back into the past year and see what we’ve learned about ourselves.In this episode, Bonnie inspires us to stress less by sharing ways to grow into who God created you to be and allowing God to make changes in your life.Scripture: “Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you. Isaiah 46:10Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Benefits of Prioritizing Play & Revitalizing JoyLinks & Resources from this Episode:For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/For more encouragement, order Bonnie’s book Sweet Like Jasmine: Finding Identity in a Culture of Loneliness, an Amazon #1 New Release in Christian Biographies.Sign up for a free Audiobook or Stories of Faith Guided Journal at https://sweetlikejasmine.com/Sign up for Bonnie’s Soul Care Newsletter for more soul care tips here: https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe/Follow Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegrayHer site: http://www.thebonniegray.comEpisode Image Credit: Getty/biscotto87 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.