Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

One in four women experiences emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. As we emerge out of the pandemic, Bonnie inspires us to shine our lights. We can lose ourselves in our Instagram picture-perfect feed, feeling less than. Bonnie explores how God invites us to vulnerability and lowering our stress levels by connecting to each other rather than isolating ourselves, through Jesus’ favorite way of engaging with us: telling stories. Today’s Scripture: “You show that you are a letter from Christ, the result of our ministry, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.” - 2 Corinthians 3:3Soul Care Tip: Bonnie talks to us about the benefits of writing a letter to your younger self.Soul Care Research: Researchers have found that creating good experiences makes people happier and give people a greater sense of vitality - “feeling alive.” 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/BRO Vector Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Have you struggled with being self-critical? Or felt attacked by critical people? In this episode, Bonnie helps us begin our journey to quiet the critical voices - the self-criticism and the harmful critiques of toxic people.Scripture: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” 1 Jn 4:16-18Soul Care Tip: Create new experiences. Benefits to boost your mood. Scientific Research: Neurophysiology research shows that play improves mood and well-being, reducing anxiety, depression, stimulating creativity, and enhancing relationships. Links + Resources From This Episode:The 8 Types of Play Personalities: https://caps.umich.edu/article/your-play-personalityFor 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/Ponomariova_Maria Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Surviving through a worldwide pandemic has impacted all of us. Everyone experiences anxiety in varying degrees. Some more than others. Bonnie debunks common myths and stigma of suffering from anxiety and encourages us to see the beauty of faith at work in healing & renewal.Scripture: “The Lord your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing.” Zeph. 3:17Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Benefits of AromatherapyLinks + 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/Ponomariova_Maria Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The pandemic has thrown a monkey wrench into all our plans. All of us are stuck facing situations where there are no easy answers. Bonnie explores topics of uncertainty in parenting, career, singleness, and ministry – and offers soul calming encouragement on seeking God’s guidance on the next steps. 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 Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Bonnie shares the benefits of Cooking Therapy. Studies show benefits of the Slow Food movement include losing weight, good digestion, and less stress. Eating slowly practices mindfulness and less worry.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/Nuthawut_Somsuk Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie shares the importance of emotional honesty about our struggles with depression, anxiety, numbness, and panic attacks. Though there might be people in our lives who make us feel ashamed of our struggles, God does not. He only meets us with his compassion and his promises for mercy and rest. The pandemic has left a lot of us with feelings of depression as we struggle feeling overwhelmed in our personal lives, parenting, our families, marriages, and the political division that fill the news.If you are struggling with depression or anxiety, this episode is for you.Scripture: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Is. 66:13 Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Benefits of Decluttering (UCLA research shows stress hormones spiked with the presence of clutter.)Links + Resources in 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/Bitontawan Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

After a year of distance working via Zoom and screens, without delineation between personal time and work time, parenting and working from home, we are all exhausted. Bonnie inspires us to break out of cookie-cutter expectations and quiet the critical voices that make us feel less than enough, and also explore ideas to re-energize your motivation. Scripture: “Cast all your cares on Him for He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Make something with your hands. Benefits of lowering anxiety.Links + Resources in 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/Bitontawan Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

As the pandemic ebbs and flows, and society opens and closes again and again, there is a lot of anxiety about what life will look like. How do we reconnect with others and with ourselves? Bonnie encourages us to explore the different ways we can grow into our true selves instead of hiding behind performing and people pleasing. Scripture: “The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.” Jer. 31:3Soul Care Tip: Bonnie explores the benefits of looking at old photographsLinks + Resources in 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/kevinhilillustration Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The pandemic has really wreaked havoc on our sleep. We all know it’s important to get enough sleep. But what if sleep is a struggle? In this episode, Bonnie shares encouragement to help get you through seasons when sleep is eluding you and shares ideas to quiet the worry and anxieties that keep you up. Scripture: "Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." Deut. 33:12Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Benefits of reading a real book and how it helps you sleep better. The Mayo Clinic also found that reading a book for twenty minutes as a bedtime ritual helps signal your body to sleep. Links + Resources in 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 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/katflare Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

The list of uncertainty that has grown during the pandemic is overwhelming. In this episode, Bonnie shares how the pandemic has forced us to recognize that stress takes a real toll on our physical and emotional wellbeing. We can turn into positive motivation to embrace our true worth as God’s child, and take better care of ourselves – and in turn, be filled up to take better care of others we love. Scripture: “You are my beloved. In you, I take delight.” - Mark 1:11 Care Tip & Scientific Research: The healing practice of a listening and the benefits of drinking tea.Scientists have found that drinking a single cup of tea reduces anxiety levels by up to 25 percent in participants after they’ve experienced a stressful moment. Links + Resources In 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 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/Juli Julia Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

So much stress in life happens like stormy weather: suddenly and unexpectedly. What are the actions we can take to experience God’s peace in the storms of life? Bonnie shows how to lower stress and experience God’s presence to carry you through hard times.*This episode was recorded before the coronavirus pandemic. We’re grateful that these words of encouragement and advice are applicable more than ever. Let Jesus take you through this storm, and know his peace will carry you through. Stay well, friends.Scripture: “Take heart. It is I. Do not be afraid.” Mark 6:50Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Listen to worship songs as meditation and learn about the calming & energizing benefits.Links + Resources in This Episode:The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence: http://urlme.cc/B0YlBonnie's Soul Care Package: http://urlme.cc/aLlBBonnie's book, Whispers of Rest: http://urlme.cc/5n4oSign up for Bonnie's Weekly Wellness Beloved Newsletter: http://urlme.cc/Zod9Find Bonnie on:Instagram: https://instagram.com/thebonniegrayFacebook: https://facebook.com/thebonniegray Her site: http://www.thebonniegray.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.