As a nurse, Tracie Braylock watched too many people get wheeled into the operating room for conditions she knew were preventable. Those experiences lit a fire within her to start helping others pursue holistic healing and wellness — the kind that comes from walking in step with Jesus and embracing his perfect pattern for our lives. Instead of healing patients in hospitals, Tracie now creates content and courses that equip people to pursue whole-person well-being so they can do the unique work God has called them to do and reach their full potential. In her new book, “Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry,” she uses biblical truth and scientific research to help readers adjust their lives in realistic ways so they can experience true change and peace.

Today, Tracie is opening up about the ways she loves to relax and restore her mind, body and spirit — plus the spiritual disciplines that keep her laser-focused on Jesus. Read on to learn how she’s growing in setting healthy boundaries, how she kickstarts her creativity with daily poetry and how she’s harnessing technology to make life easier.

QUESTION #1: ACQUAINT

The meals we enjoy are about so much more than the food we eat. So how does a “go-to” meal at your favorite hometown restaurant reveal the true you behind your web bio?

We live hours away from my immediate family, which includes my parents, aunt and grandmother, so when they come to town, we enjoy plenty of meals together. One of our favorite places to visit is BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse. They have a pleasant atmosphere, space for our large group and a variety of menu options. My 7-year-old daughter, 92-year-old grandmother and everyone in between can get what they want without compromise. We talk, laugh, watch whatever sports are playing on their multitude of TVs and sip our favorite flavors of cream soda. It’s always a joyful time.

We have even more fun together at home in the kitchen, cooking our family’s favorite meals, teaching our recipes to the children and breaking out into spontaneous dance parties and sing-alongs.

After all this excitement, when our guests return to their homes and the children return to school, the quiet of working from home is a loud reminder of the immense love I have in my life and the deep need we all have for connection. In those times, you can find me at a local coffee shop. We have so many to choose from, but Earth Coffeehouse & Cafe is owned by our dear friends, and it’s where I’ll go to work, hang out and reconnect with my community.

QUESTION #2: REVEAL

We’ve all got quirky proclivities and out-of-the-way interests. So what are yours? What so-called “nonspiritual” activity do you love engaging in that also helps you find essential spiritual renewal?

Our city has several metroparks, and there are times when I’ll visit multiple in a single day. Early in the morning, I’ll drive over to the park by the river. I listen to the birds and the waves, do some deep breathing and write whatever’s on my heart.

Then, in the afternoon, our family of six will walk around another park that’s closer to home. No matter the season, being among the trees brings a sense of peace. When the seasons shift, the flowers bloom and the wildlife is freely navigating the territory, I feel fully alive, reflective of my past, deeply aware of my present and bursting with excitement about my future.

These sacred spaces keep me grounded in the midst of all the wonder, keenly aware that as life continues to unfold, so does beauty and wisdom, and I’m immeasurably grateful to bear witness to it all.

Those moments often bring me home, an only child wandering under the sheltering trees, investigating the shifting colors of the sky and witnessing the sheer transformative power of nature in the yard of the family home of my youth, deeply loved and carefree.

As I constantly marvel at creation, I share my adoration for it with my children, teaching them to seek out and stand in awe of what God has masterfully designed. Reminding them that they are created by the same divine artist and can remain inspired by their own unfolding and contributions to the landscape.

QUESTION #3: CONFESS

Every superhero has a weakness; every human too. We’re just good at faking it. But who are we kidding? We’re all broken and in this thing together. So what’s your kryptonite, and how do you confront its power head-on?

As a naturally observant caregiver and helper, I’ve learned how easy it can be to overextend myself, attempting to meet the needs of others before my own.

A younger version of myself thought this was noble, the best way for me to serve and contribute to the world. But I was never meant to meet every need, and placing oneself in a position to do so can create unhealthy relationships with distorted boundaries that lead to bitterness and burnout.

Yet kryptonite has a way of patiently lying dormant, just under the surface of your conscious awareness, ready for the opportunity to arise and remind you of its power.

So I find that no matter how much work I’ve done to overcome putting the needs of others before my own, my four children, without any effort or fault of their own, can bring out this weakness. Whether I stay up way past bedtime to help with a project, rearrange my schedule to get someone to a practice or meeting or simply won’t say no because they asked me to play or participate in one way or another, I often overextend myself when it comes to my children.

I think of it as a selfish act fueled by a strong desire to maximize every moment I have with them. And because I rarely find their requests unreasonable, I attempt to show up and be present whenever possible.

Along the way, though, I’ve learned to set time limits, delegate tasks and vocalize the things that I need to accomplish, so I think we’re all growing together nicely these days.

QUESTION #4: FIRE UP

Tell us about your toil. How are you investing your professional time right now? What’s your current obsession? And why should it be ours?

I’m currently investing my time in sharing about my new book, “Radical Relaxation: Releasing the Stress You Were Never Meant to Carry.” I’m a former operating room nurse, so this book is my way of helping others prevent as much illness as possible, learn how to heal the stress in their lives and take control of their health.

This book doesn’t give you quick fixes. It combines scientific research with biblical wisdom, offering practices that readers can use to transform their perspective on stress and relaxation. Readers will have guidance for their path forward so they can show up healthy, energized and more relaxed for whatever work they’re meant to do in this world.

I recently recorded the audiobook, which was an aspect of this journey that I never even considered. For me, it demonstrated the ripple effect that can take place because of our actions, and I hope this work is beneficial for all those who experience it.

I’ve created a program to further support readers who desire to put the content of the book into practice, so I’m really excited about cultivating these relationships and helping people realize the change they want to experience in their lives.

I’ve also been writing a poem a day on Instagram for over five years. I’d love to see these words come to life in other formats — maybe a book or some other form of artistic collaboration.

Everything that I write, teach and create is to help someone improve their health and healing in one way or another — and remind them of their wholeness.

QUESTION #5: BOOST

Cashiers, CEOs, contractors or customer service reps, we all need grace flowing into us and back out into the world. How does the Holy Spirit invigorate your work? And how do you know it’s God when it happens?

I previously mentioned that I write at least one new poem every day. I’m fully aware that the words come from beyond me. Beginning with a posture of being present with God, it then becomes a collaborative process of hearing and writing. If I’m not quiet enough, or focused enough, nothing flows.

Taking time to rest, spending time outside in nature and doing things I enjoy all fuel my creative process. These things remind me that I’m simply here as a vessel and unique expression of God’s creativity. And I believe my work demonstrates my communication and relationship with God.

Listening to others speak also sparks inspiration. I’ll hear someone say something I’ve never considered or describe something in a way that makes a lightbulb turn on within me. So I’ll write it down. If the thought or conversation doesn’t leave me after I’ve written it down, I know that God is nudging me to do something about it.

QUESTION #6: inspire

Scripture and tradition beckon us into the rich and varied habits that open our hearts to the presence of God. So let us in. Which spiritual practice is working best for you in this season?

At the end of every day, I pause to check in with God. I get quiet, I listen and then I write. It’s an intentional posture and practice that takes place no matter what has gone on throughout the day, and it’s time that I don’t take for granted. This helps to keep things in perspective because no matter how chaotic the world may seem, this grounding practice makes me deeply aware that I breathe, think, write and am sustained by the grace of God.

In addition to this writing practice, I typically use some form of aromatherapy and listen to instrumental music every day. Aromatherapy reminds me of God’s creative power and intention. Plants are not only created for beauty but for our nourishment, and they offer medicinal benefits. Whether inhaling the essential oils, using them topically or drinking tea for the flavor, aroma or beneficial compounds, this practice acknowledges God and the depth of care offered to us.

The instrumental music that I listen to includes various nature sounds. Whether it’s ocean waves, waterfalls, chirping birds or strong winds, natural sounds have the ability to relax you and cultivate space for healing to take place. So I encounter God all day long by surrounding myself with the things God has created.

Then there’s prayer. With four children, there’s always something to pray about. My parenting, our relationships, their protection and wisdom for us all as they navigate this world. They keep me in constant communication with God, and it’s wonderful to witness their relationships with God blossoming before our eyes.

QUESTION #7: FOCUS

Looking backward, considering the full sweep of your unique faith journey and all you encountered along the way, what top three resources stand out to you? What changed reality and your heart?

I’ve always had a love for words, and I’ve read many, many books, so it will come as no surprise that one of the most memorable resources on my faith journey is a book titled “Your Life Follows Your Words” by Darlene Bishop. To me, this book demonstrates how your faith, coupled with the words you speak — even in conditions that look unfavorable or are far from the current reality — can transform your circumstances and your future.

Another beneficial title that has helped me to continually think about what I’m thinking about is “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyer. I read this book over 20 years ago, and its emphasis on changing your mind and thinking the way God thinks still influences me today.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve listened to the teachings of Dr. Tony Evans. Every night at 7 p.m., my dad would turn the radio to “The Urban Alternative.” As an adult, I still learn so much from his ministry, and his work remains at the top of my go-to resources. His ability to make the Bible clear and engaging helps me apply the Word of God in my life.

We all have things we cling to to survive or even thrive in our fast-paced, techno-driven world. How have you been successful in harnessing technology to aid in your spiritual growth?

Before I open any other app on my phone, I’ve made it a habit to tap on the YouVersion Bible app, and read the verse of the day. This tends to slam the door on all the cascading thoughts that can arise upon waking and helps me funnel all my thoughts through a biblical lens. Depending on the morning, I may create an image using the verse of the day or continue with a devotional plan.

I enjoy being able to research Scripture and challenge my own thoughts by simply opening an app on my phone. I don’t have to guess what the Word says because the technology enables me to remain equipped with the Word at all times.

QUESTION #8: dream

God’s continually stirring new things in each of us. So give us the scoop! What’s beginning to stir in you but not yet fully awakened? What can we expect from you in the future?

I would love to write a few children’s books that focus on the body and the healing practices children can learn and utilize as early in life as possible.

I’d also love to take the poems from my daily writing practice and turn them into a book.

I think it would be fun to collaborate with spas around the world, hosting relaxation retreats or simply cultivating community so that others can experience relaxation and the resulting healing benefits in a beautiful, guilt-free supportive space.

I love creating and typically don’t feel any fear as I begin a new project. I believe I’m in partnership with God, and it’s an honor to collaborate to bring the vision to life. And I simply trust that if God gave me the idea, there’s someone in this world who can benefit from it. So I’m excited about what’s coming next and look forward to how God decides to use my work in the world.

As our world becomes more chaotic and fast paced, people are searching for psychological answers to their chronic fatigue. Research shows the percentage of people who engage in relaxation techniques — such as breathing exercises, meditation, guided imagery or progressive relaxation (relaxing different parts of your body in succession) — has nearly doubled since 2002.

Of course, as Christians, rest is an integral part of our faith, stretching back all the way to the seventh day of Creation when God rested from his works. And now, under the new covenant, we receive complete spiritual rest through Christ’s finished work on the cross (see Hebrews 4).

Reader, do you feel rested? Or are you getting swept up in the frenzied pace of this world? If peace feels far away today, consider praying this (taken from Psalm 23):

“Lord, you are my Shepherd. Thank you for being so generous toward me that I lack no good thing. Make me lie down in green pastures today. Lead me beside still waters. Restore my soul. Lead me in paths of righteousness for your name’s sake. Teach me to rest with you today. In Jesus’ name, amen.”

Tracie Braylock