293: Ways to Recharge When You Can't Quit Your Day Job

Not all rest actually restores. Sometimes it just delays the crash.

In this solo episode of Embracing Intensity, I talk about what shifted for me when I went back to working full-time in schools, and why having less free time pushed me to get more intentional about how I use my energy.

I used to focus a lot on trying to do the "right" things—eat better, exercise more, use my time more efficiently—but I kept ending up exhausted anyway. What started to change things was paying closer attention to what actually gave me energy versus what drained it.

This episode is where I walk through that shift and share the RECHARGE framework I've been using—looking at energy across physical, mental, emotional, social, and connection areas. It's less about fixing everything and more about noticing patterns and making small adjustments that actually stick.

About Aurora

Aurora Remember Holtzman is a neurodivergent educator, coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast. She supports gifted, creative, and outside-the-box thinkers in understanding their energy, working with their nervous systems, and building more sustainable ways of living and creating.

In This Episode

Why some kinds of "rest" don't leave you feeling any better What changed when I stopped focusing on time and started looking at energy The idea of "contaminated time" and why it feels so unsatisfying How I've been approaching burnout differently this year The five areas of energy and how they show up in daily life Small ways to shift your energy without overhauling everything Why play, curiosity, and creativity matter more than we think How alignment in your environment and relationships affects your energy

The Five Areas of Energy

This episode looks at five different areas that all impact how recharged (or depleted) you feel. You don't need to overhaul all of them—just noticing where something feels off can be enough to start.

Physical Energy

This includes the obvious things like sleep and movement, but also how your body feels in your environment and routines. Small shifts—like changing positions, stepping outside, or actually finishing a task you've been avoiding—can make a noticeable difference.

Mental Energy

The way your brain is engaged matters. Too much stimulation can be overwhelming, but too little can leave you stuck. Play, challenge, and creative thinking can all help shift your energy in ways that feel more engaging.

Emotional Energy

Emotional fatigue doesn't always look dramatic. Sometimes it shows up as irritability, numbness, or just feeling off. Letting yourself process things—through expression, movement, or even just naming what's there—can ease that buildup.

Social Energy

Some interactions leave you feeling more like yourself, and some leave you drained. This section looks at things like masking, belonging, solitude, and what it feels like to be around people where you don't have to explain yourself.

Connection Energy

Even when you've rested, you can still feel disconnected. This area looks at things like purpose, ritual, time in nature, and moments that help you feel part of something beyond your day-to-day tasks.

Resources & Links

RECHARGE Toolkit (7-day challenge) Embracing Intensity Community