Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast

Bonnie Gray

Quieting the Worried Mind: Why Encouragement Matters More Than You Think #199

February 9, 2026   ●   18 min

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Have you been feeling worn down, but telling yourself you shouldn’t be?
Maybe you feel like you’re doing everything right — yet your heart feels heavy, your energy feels low, and your mind doesn’t quite feel at rest.

When we live under pressure for a long time, our minds can become depleted — not because we’re doing too much, but because we haven’t been encouraged. Worry can linger, and our inner world can feel noisy and unsettled.

In today’s episode, Bonnie shares her personal story about turning off her worry mind in a surprising way. This episode explores why encouragement matters more than we think for wellness and offers 2 powerful soul care practices to help your mind rest in something life-giving again.

Key Takeaways

Why a tired mind doesn’t always need more rest — sometimes it needs encouragement
How kind words and meaningful voices give the mind a place to rest
Why anxiety narrows our attention, and encouragement helps the mind breathe
Two powerful soul care practices to help quiet mental noise and nourish your heart

Breath Prayer
Inhale: Anxiety weighs down a heart
Exhale: But a kind word cheers it up.

Scripture
“Anxiety weighs down a heart,
but a kind word cheers it up.”
Proverbs 12:25

Bible in a Year Reading Plan (by Biblica):

https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/19038-bible-in-a-year-365-day-reading-plan
Take Bonnie's Soul Care Courses:

Lent Wellness Study (Seasonal Offering)

A 6-Week Healing Renewal For Your Heart With Jesus in His Love
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-lent/

Breathe Rest with Jesus:
A Loving Course to Create Wellness Rhythms of Peace with God’s Promises

Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-breatherest/

Breathe Joy with Jesus:
Create Happy Wellness Rhythms to Cultivate Joy with God's Promises
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool/

Praying the Psalms for Wellness:
A Life-giving 8-Week Wellness Course to Release Stress, Renew Peace & Find Rest for Your Hear
Register at https://thebonniegray.com/soulcareschool-prayingpsalms/

Take the FREE Soul Care Quiz at soulcarequiz.comGet your personal wellness assessment and learn which area of soul care you need most.

Eucalyptus Shower Steamers for instant calm at Bonnie's Soul Care Store

Join the Soul Care Newsletter:
https://thebonniegray.com/subscribe

Watch YouTube Devotionals:
https://youtube.com/thebonniegray

Bestselling Books by Bonnie:
https://amzn.to/3NpVYQd

Follow Bonnie on Instagram & Facebook:
@thebonniegray

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

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