In this episode of the Balance Badass Podcast, we explore burnout recovery from an energetic perspective with Amanda, a former nurse turned Reiki master and owner of Heart in Harmony Healing.
Amanda shares her personal experience with burnout and how she discovered the importance of Reiki, boundaries, and rest in her recovery. We discuss how energy management can play a vital role in combating burnout and offer practical tips for setting boundaries without guilt.
Join us as we talk about how taking care of your energy can transform your approach to burnout and overall well-being.
When most people talk about burnout, they focus on the usual suspects: long hours, unrealistic workloads, and never-ending stress. And yes, those are big contributors. But if you stop there, you’re missing a critical piece of the puzzle.
Burnout isn’t just a mental or physical problem.
It’s an energetic one.
This week on The Balanced Badass Podcast™, I had a great conversation with Amanda Marek, a former nurse turned Reiki master and founder of Heart in Harmony Healing. After experiencing burnout herself, Amanda realized something many of us overlook—how we manage our energy matters just as much as how we manage our time and workload.
Time Management Isn’t Enough. You Need Energy Management.
We’re told to manage our time better, prioritize tasks, and stay organized. And while that helps to a point, it’s not the full solution.
Time management doesn’t work if you’re running on empty. What you need is energy management.
Energy management is about recognizing where your energy is today and adjusting accordingly.
Some days you’ll have the energy to tackle complex projects and make big decisions. Other days, you’ll need to scale back and focus on smaller, more manageable tasks.
A simple practice to try:
- Start your day with an energy check-in.
- Ask yourself: Where’s my energy today—high, medium, or low?
- Plan your workload based on that energy level, not just what’s on your calendar.
When you lead with energy awareness, you protect your capacity and perform at a sustainable pace.
Boundaries Are an Act of Energy Protection
One of the biggest lessons Amanda shared is that burnout recovery isn’t possible without clear boundaries. When we constantly overextend ourselves, we drain our energy and reinforce a cycle of depletion.
But setting boundaries often brings up guilt.
A simple mindset shift can help:
- Boundaries aren’t about keeping others out.
- They’re about keeping yourself in balance.
Before committing to something, take a pause. Ask:
- Does this opportunity feel light and energizing?
- Or does it feel heavy and draining.
Give yourself permission to say no when it’s not aligned.
The people who truly value you will respect your decision and you’ll have more energy for what truly matters.
Rest Isn’t a Reward. It’s a Requirement.
If you’re like many high achievers, rest can feel like something you have to earn.
But Amanda’s story highlights an important truth: Rest isn’t a reward for hard work. It’s a non-negotiable part of staying well.
Deep rest—whether it’s through practices like Reiki, mindfulness, or simply stepping away from your to-do list—allows your nervous system to reset. And when your nervous system is calm, your body can replenish its energy stores.
Here’s what that might look like:
- Unplugging for 15 minutes to breathe deeply.
- Scheduling time for restorative practices (and honoring it like any other appointment).
- Allowing yourself to fully rest, without guilt or judgment.
The key is to make rest a consistent practice, not a last resort when you’re already on the edge of burnout.
Manage Your Energy First
Your energy gives you valuable information every day—whether you’re tuned in or not.
The question is… Are you paying attention?
Signs you’re ignoring your energy include:
- Constant fatigue, even after rest.
- Feeling resentful about commitments.
- Pushing yourself because you think you should, not because you have the capacity.
But an energy audit can help.
- Check in with your energy at the start and end of your day.
- Notice what activities drain you and what replenishes you.
- Adjust accordingly.
Amanda’s pillars—Reiki, boundaries, and rest—are just one path to energetic well-being. Whether you explore energy work or other restorative practices, the goal is the same: Reconnect with yourself, protect your energy, and build a life that doesn’t burn you out.
If Amanda’s approach resonates with you, you can find her at @heart.in.harmony on Instagram or visit her website at heartinharmony.ca.
Got thoughts or questions from this week’s episode? Drop them in the comments. I’d love to hear from you! 🫶
Subscribe to start making meaningful changes with every episode.
00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview
00:19 Meet Amanda: From Nurse to Reiki Master
03:26 Amanda’s Burnout Story and Recovery Journey
09:16 Understanding Reiki and Its Benefits
14:44 The Importance of Energy Management
21:44 Setting Boundaries Without Guilt
31:43 Conclusion and How to Connect with Amanda
I’m Tara Kermiet, a leadership coach specializing in burnout prevention and work-life integration. I know what it’s like to feel like you’re holding it all together with duct tape and coffee. But success doesn’t have to mean running yourself ragged. I help high achievers find work-life balance and shine as badass leaders.
👉 Take my quick quiz to find out where you stand on the burnout spectrum, plus get tailored tips to help you turn things around before it’s too late. Visit: https://tarakermiet.com/free-resources/
😍 If we’re not friends yet on social media, why the heck not? Follow me on Instagram (@TaraKermiet) and/or LinkedIn (@TaraKermiet) so we can stay connected!
🎤 Got a question, a topic you want me to cover, or just want to share your thoughts? I’d love to hear from you! Send me a DM or email.
Stay balanced, stay badass, and make good choices!
Disclaimer: My content is for educational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. For serious concerns, please consult a qualified provider.
