Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

Bonnie explores how God invites us to vulnerability and lower stress levels through Jesus’ favorite way to recharge: being out in nature, letting others in, and asking for help.*This episode was recorded before the coronavirus pandemic. We’re grateful that these words of encouragement and advice are applicable more than ever. Get outside, marvel in creation, and trust that the God who cares for the birds in the air and the flowers in the field is caring for you. Stay well, friends.Scripture: For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. Psalm 139:13Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Research shows that spending time with people in real life instead of social media makes people happier and renews vitality. Take a digital break. Choose a real experience.Links + Resources in This Episode:Bonnie'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.

Joy is found (and stress is lessened) when we unlock our creativity and pursue something new. But perfectionism can rob us of joy when we’re not willing to take a risk.Is there something new God is inspiring you to do, but perfectionism is holding you back? Bonnie exposes the 5 lies of perfectionism and empowers you with 5 truths to move forward.Scripture: “There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear.” - 1 John 4:18Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Create new experiences and discover the benefits of new experiences to boost your mood. Links + Resources in This Episode:Bonnie'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.

In just a few weeks, our world has changed dramatically. COVID-19 has shut down huge cities and even major countries. Many of you might be listening to this at home, unsure of when you’ll be going back to work or school. It is a frightening time, but God does not want us to live in fear, even in such a fearful time. In this special episode, Bonnie shares how we can defuse panic and stress in our lives as we live with the reality of coronavirus. Links + Resources in This Episode:Bonnie'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.

Making decisions is often a source of stress in our lives. We can overanalyze our choices to the point of analysis paralysis. And yet, the decision to add more joy in our lives (like we talked about in the previous episode) is having new experiences and adventures with God. But how do we get to the point where we can say a confident yes to those things? That’s what we’ll unpack in today’s episode.Scripture: “I run in the path of your commands for you have set my heart free.” - Psalm 119:32Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Create new experiences. Learn the benefits of taking a break. Links + Resources in This Episode:Bonnie'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.

Maybe you've felt hesitant to commit time, money or resources to something that brings you joy, because you’re afraid that if it’s not something you can market or can help others with, that it’s a waste of time. It’s not true. Joy may feel selfish, but it isn’t. It’s your heart’s response to God as a beloved child. He wants us to feel joy. What gives you joy? Do you know? In this episode, Bonnie asks some great questions to help you figure out what gives you joy, and gives you permission to put resources toward pursuing it. Scripture: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Take a step toward figuring out what gives you joy and find one way to pursue it this week. Links + Resources from This Episode:• Get Bonnie’s Soul Care Package: You're Worth Loving ebook + 6 teaching videos•Brigham Young study shows sharing joy improves your energy and wellbeing. For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter here. (http://thebonniegray.com/subscribe) • Here and Now by Henri Nouwen• Grab a copy of Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest for more encouragementFind 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.

Bonnie shares the importance of emotional honesty and how sharing our feelings helps us process what has happened to us, instead of holding it all in, trying to carry the burden alone. Scripture: “As a mother comforts her child, so will I comfort you.” Isaiah 66:13 Soul Care Tip: Have coffee with a soul friend and open up about what is stressing you out.Links + Resources from This Episode:Richard Swenson: The Overload Syndrome - http://urlme.cc/7gPxUCLA study shows simply naming negative emotions calms the mind and body. For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter at http://thebonniegray.com/subscribe. Grab a copy of Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest for more encouragement: https://bit.ly/WhispersofRestbookFind 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.

“Even if I had time to rest, I wouldn’t know what to do.” Sounds familiar? You’re not alone. Bonnie shares how to take better care of yourself with specific types of TLC. Which kind do you need most? Physical rest (unplugging/doing less), emotional rest (reconnecting with friends), or spiritual rest/encouragement (time with God)?Scripture: “Be still and know that I am God.” Psalm 46:10Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Try making something with your hands. Learn the benefits of lowering anxiety with repetitive motion.Links + Resources from This Episode:The original Hebrew meaning of “Be still (raphah) and know (yada) that I am God" means to loosen your grip, relax to personally experience God.Studies show the repetitive motion of creating with our hands returns calm to the nervous system. For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter here.Grab a copy of Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest for more encouragement: http://bit.ly/WhispersofRestbookFind Bonnie on Instagram, Facebook and thebonniegray.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie encourages us to let grace in, instead of allowing guilt to hold your heart back.Next time those critical voices start whispering, imagine Jesus loving you today and take steps to let grace nurture your heart and lift your day.Scripture: “But as for me, the nearness of God is my good.” Psalm 73:28Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: I’ll share the benefits of journaling and encourage you to try journaling for 10 minutes a day. Links + Resources from This Episode:Research shows journaling for just 10 minutes increases happiness. For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter.Grab a copy of Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest for more encouragement.Find Bonnie on Instagram, Facebook and thebonniegray.com. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

We can only pour out if we fill our tank. We need space to let God touch us and refill us, so we can feel His peace. Having space for you to be you is important to God and to your wellbeing.Scripture: “Come to me all who are weary and burdened…I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: Take a 10-minute walk. Learn the benefits of a walk in nature.Links + Resources From This Episode:Scientists discover the best way to boost your mood is a 10-minute walk in nature. For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter.Grab a copy of Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest for more encouragement.Find Bonnie on Instagram, Facebook and thebonniegray.com.Episode Image Credit: Getty/mspoint Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Bonnie shares how + why your body reacts to stress, and how you can use moments of stress to let God love you and do something loving/nurturing for yourself, instead being hard on yourself.Scripture: “Come away with me by yourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile.” Matthew 6:31Care Tip & Scientific Research: Pray a Breath Prayer. Learn the benefits of deep breathing. Links + Resources from This Episode:• Rutgers and Harvard University studies show flowers improve emotional health. For links to this study and more, sign up for Bonnie’s Newsletter here.•How to Pray Breath Prayers•Grab a copy of Bonnie’s book Whispers of Rest for more encouragement •Find Bonnie on Instagram, Facebook and thebonniegray.comImage Credit: Getty/Mykyta Dolmatov Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.