Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

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, s...

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 ou...

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 care...

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...

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 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...

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 tha...

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 t...

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...

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 l...

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....

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 a...

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: Richar...

“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 46:10 Soul Care...

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 73:28 Soul Care Tip & Scientific Research: I’ll share the benefits of journaling and encourage you...

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...

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 6:31 Care Tip & Scientific Research: Pray a Breath Prayer. Learn the benefits of deep breathing. Links + Resources from Thi...

Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast 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.  Host Bonnie Gray is the author of Finding Spiritual Whitespace and Whisper...