Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

Have you ever felt guilty for doing something that brings you joy? What if choosing joy isn't selfish—but one of the ways Jesus invites you to receive His kindness and care for your heart?

In this episode, Bonnie shares a touching story of an unexpected act of kindness from a stranger that transformed her understanding of soul care. Discover the surprising science behind joy, why it matters for your brain, body, and soul, and one simple practice that can help you receive God's love and experience greater emotional and spiritual wellness.

Key Takeaways
– What is "default guilt" & How it affects your wellness
– Why choosing joy isn't selfish—and why your brain, body, and soul need it.
– The science of "anticipatory joy" to calm your nervous system and supports emotional wellness
– The surprising connection between receiving kindness and deeper soul healing
– A simple practice to help you let go of guilt and choose joy this week

Breath Prayer

Inhale: God takes great delight in me
Exhale: He will rejoice over me with singing

Scripture

“The Lord your God is with you… He will take great delight in you; He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zeph. 3:17
→ Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray
→ Read Bestselling Books by Bonnie:
https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd
→ Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store
Watch YouTube Devotionals:
https://youtube.com/thebonniegray
Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

What if one simple morning habit could help you sleep better, lower stress, and bring more peace to your day?

In this third episode of the Summer Soul Glow Up series, Bonnie shares how learning the science of morning light helped reset her sleep — and how she's adjusting her summer glow up practice in the midst of a tough season to meet with God and receive His peace.

If you've been waking up anxious, feeling emotionally drained, or longing to begin your day with more hope, this episode will encourage you to discover how God's design for your body can become a pathway to caring for your soul.

Key Takeaways
— Why morning light helps reset your body's internal clock

— The surprising connection between sunlight, sleep, and emotional well-being
— How one simple morning practice can calm fear and renew hope

— Why caring for your body can open your heart to God

— A gentle soul care rhythm to begin each day with peace

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Speak, Lord...

Exhale: I am listening

Scripture

"Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening." 1 Samuel 3:10

→ Bible-in-a-Year Plan by Biblica (on the Bible App)
The International Bible Society
https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/19038
→ Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray
→ 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 Promises
Register 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.

Have you ever felt guilty for taking care of yourself?
What if your skincare routine could become an act of soul care?

In this second episode of the Summer Soul Glow Up series, Bonnie shares how preparing for ankle surgery led her to discover the surprising science of protein and healthy skin—and what Queen Esther teaches about God's heart for caring for ourselves.

If you've been putting yourself last or wondering if self-care is selfish, this episode will encourage you to receive God's invitation to care for yourself with joy, gratitude, and freedom.

Key Takeaways
— Why caring for your outer self can become soul care
— The science of protein, healing, and healthy skin
— What Queen Esther teaches about beauty and your God-given worth
— Why healing begins when you know your priority
— A simple self-care practice to nourish your body and soul

Breath Prayer
Inhale: You are altogether beautiful...
Exhale: There is no flaw in you.
Scripture
"You are altogether beautiful, my darling; there is no flaw in you." — Song of Songs 4:7
→ Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray
→ 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 Promises
Register 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.

When was the last time you planned something simply because it would make you smile?

So many women spend the summer making memories for everyone else while quietly putting their own joy on hold. But what if creating just one thing to look forward to could actually lower your stress and help you experience more peace?

In this first episode of the Summer Soul Glow Up series, Bonnie shares a personal story about discovering how making room for joy changed the emotional atmosphere she created for her family. As she prepares for ankle surgery this summer, Bonnie reflects on how choosing delight—even in a difficult season—has become a sacred act of soul care.

Through Scripture and the science of anticipatory joy, you'll discover why looking forward to something meaningful can renew hope, calm your nervous system, and remind you that your joy matters to God.

If you've been putting yourself last, feeling emotionally drained, or wondering how to find joy in the middle of a difficult season, this episode will encourage you to make room for delight again, one small moment at a time.

Key Takeaways

— Why planning something joyful can lower stress and increase hope

— The science of anticipatory joy and how dopamine supports emotional wellness

— Why your emotional presence becomes someone else's emotional memory

— How making room for your own joy blesses the people you love

— A simple soul care practice to help you create your own Summer Glow List

— Why God delights when you delight in the gifts He's given you

Breath Prayer

Inhale: Delight yourself in the Lord...

Exhale: And He will give you the desires of your heart.

Scripture

"Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." — Psalm 37:4
Key Takeaways
— Why our minds naturally focus on worst-case scenarios
— The difference between fear's what-ifs and faith's perspective
— How Jesus comforts us in seasons of uncertainty
— What to notice to calm an anxious heart
— The science of negativity bias and emotional wellness
— A simple soul care practice to help you move from fear to faith
Breath Prayer
Inhale: This is the way
Exhale: Walk in it
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

→ Join Bonnie on Instagram @thebonniegray
→ 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 Promises
Register 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.

Do your thoughts ever get stuck in a cycle of what-ifs? What if something goes wrong? What if things don't work out?
What if I'm not ready for what's ahead?
In this episode, Bonnie shares a personal story about preparing for surgery and the unexpected moment that reminded her she wasn't walking through the valley alone. Through scripture & science of negativity bias, you'll discover why our minds naturally focus on fear—and a simple soul care practice that can help you shift your attention from the shadows to the Shepherd.
If you're facing uncertainty, waiting for answers, navigating a health challenge, or feeling overwhelmed by what-ifs, this episode will encourage you to move from fear to faith—one step at a time.
Key Takeaways
— Why our minds naturally focus on worst-case scenarios
— The difference between fear's what-ifs and faith's perspective
— How Jesus comforts us in seasons of uncertainty
— What to notice to calm an anxious heart
— The science of negativity bias and emotional wellness
— A simple soul care practice to help you move from fear to faith
Breath Prayer
Inhale: This is the way
Exhale: Walk in it
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
→ 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 Promises
Register 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.