
Breathe: The Stress Less Podcast
Bonnie GrayQuieting the Worried Mind: Why Encouragement Matters More Than You Think #199
February 9, 2026 ● 18 minShare this episode
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.
Today's Devotional
A Prayer to Walk in God’s Love on Valentine’s Day - Your Daily Prayer - February 14
Valentine’s Day can highlight what’s missing, but God’s love never leaves. This devotional invites us to choose love that lasts, every day.
Top Artists
Top Music Videos

Chris Tomlin Chris Tomlin - Holy Forever

Chris Tomlin Chris Tomlin’s Powerful Live Rendition of ‘The First Hymn’ Will Stir Your Soul

chris rupp When the Saints Go Marching In - Chris Rupp A cappella ft. Deke Sharon and Jeff Thacher

toby mac TobyMac Drops ‘Heaven On My Mind’ Official Music Video

Universal Music Group Women Who Worship - Thank You Jesus For The Blood







