Emotional exhaustion in healthcare workers: signs you shouldn't ignore

Leg pain is one of the most common complaints among nurses and hospital staff. This is no coincidence. Nor is it "normal" just because it's part of the job. If you work 8, 10 or even 12 hour shifts on your feet, your body is under constant strain that we often ignore… until fatigue becomes chronic. In this article we explain the real causes and what you can do to alleviate it. Why are healthcare workers more prone to leg pain? 1. Standing for long periods of time Standing for long periods increases pressure in the legs and hinders venous return. Blood must "rise" against gravity, and when there is insufficient movement, it accumulates in the lower extremities. The result: Feeling of heaviness Burning Bloating at the end of the shift 2. Constant walking within the hospital It's not just about standing. There's also constant movement: long corridors, stairs, emergency rooms, transfers. This repetitive movement generates micro-impacts on knees and ankles that, over time, take their toll. 3. Inappropriate footwear Shoes without support, with overly rigid or worn soles, can worsen muscle and joint fatigue. Good footwear should: To have cushioning Offer support in the arch Allow stability 4. Uniforms that are not very breathable or are rigid Circulation is also affected by the clothes we wear for hours. Fabrics that are not very breathable can increase the feeling of heat and discomfort. Cuts that are too tight can restrict natural movement. Therefore, lightweight, elastic and breathable materials can contribute to greater comfort during long days. What can happen if you ignore the pain? When leg pain becomes constant and is left untreated, the following may occur: Edema (persistent swelling) Circulatory problems Higher risk of varicose veins Chronic fatigue The body gives signals before the problem gets worse. Listening to them is key. 5 practical ways to relieve leg pain 1. Raise your legs at the end of your shift Place them above heart level for 15–20 minutes to facilitate venous return. 2. Perform gentle stretches Especially calves and thighs. Even 5 minutes can make a difference. 3. Wear compression stockings (if your doctor recommends it) They help improve circulation during long days. 4. Alternate body weight If you must remain standing, try to shift your weight from one leg to the other regularly. 5. Prioritize comfort in your uniform and footwear It's not a luxury. It's a work tool. Lightweight fabrics, ergonomic cuts, and freedom of movement can reduce the feeling of pressure at the end of the day. When should you see a doctor? If you present: Persistent pain that does not improve with rest Severe swelling Changes in skin color Intense localized pain It is important to seek medical evaluation to rule out circulatory problems. Taking care of you is also part of the job In the health sector we are used to prioritizing others. But the body does not distinguish between vocation and overload. Small daily changes can prevent major problems in the long run. And if you'd like to treat yourself this week, we've made the following available to our community: Code: FB50 Discount: 50 MXN with no minimum purchase Valid until February 22, 11:59 PM (Mexico time) Because feeling comfortable during your workday is not a minor detail. It's part of your well-being.

A true story shared in our "We don't talk about work, we talk about the heart" dynamic. During this special week we have received very different messages. Some speak of exhaustion. Others of doubt. But there are also small stories that, without making a sound, change an entire day. Today we share an anonymous account from a hospital in Mexico. “It wasn’t part of the treatment” I have been working in pediatrics for four years. Anyone who has worked in that area knows that it's not just patients who are treated. Entire families are also supported. A few weeks ago, we treated a child who had been hospitalized for several days. He was restless, asked many questions, and always wanted to know what was happening. When she was finally discharged, her mother came to say goodbye. The boy was carrying something folded in his hand. He gave it to me without saying much. It was a white sheet of paper with a drawing made with crayons. There was a figure in a blue uniform with a huge smile. Next to it, it said: “Thank you for taking care of me.” Nothing else. The small things that become big It wasn't a ceremony. There was no applause. It was not an extraordinary case. It was a normal day in a normal hospital. But when I finished my shift and changed, I took the drawing out of my bag again. I looked at it again. At that moment I understood something simple: Sometimes we think that what we do goes unnoticed. But for someone, at some point, it was important. I put that drawing in my locker. It's still there. There are tough days. And days that bring balance. Not all shifts are like that. Not all family members are grateful. Not all patients leave well. But that small gesture made up for many difficult shifts. It didn't solve the tiredness. It did not eliminate stress. But I remembered why I chose this profession. What was your little moment this week? As part of our "We don't talk about work, we talk about the heart" initiative, we are inviting healthcare workers in Mexico to share: A warm moment Something that made them smile Or even something they need to vent Some stories will be selected to be published (anonymously) on our blog and social media. Because behind the uniform there is always a person. A little something for our community We want to accompany this special week with a small gesture: Code: FB50 Discount: 50 MXN with no minimum purchase Valid until: February 22, 11:59 PM (Mexico time) If you decide to use it, let it also be a reminder that what you do leaves a mark, even when you don't notice it.

Historia real compartida en nuestra dinámica “No hablamos de trabajo, hablamos del corazón” Seguimos recibiendo mensajes de personal de salud que decidió escribir lo que normalmente se guarda. Algunos hablan de momentos cálidos.Otros de situaciones incómodas que dejan huella. Hoy compartimos un relato anónimo que refleja algo que casi todos en hospital han vivido al menos una vez: la incomprensión. “Ustedes nunca hacen nada” Trabajo en urgencias en un hospital público en México. Ese día la sala estaba llena. Camillas en pasillos. Monitores sonando. Personas esperando respuestas que nadie podía dar rápido. Un familiar se acercó alterado.Preguntó por qué su mamá seguía esperando. Le expliqué el proceso. Intenté mantener la calma. Pero él estaba frustrado. Asustado. Y de repente dijo en voz alta: —Ustedes nunca hacen nada. Siempre es lo mismo. Sentí cómo varias miradas se voltearon hacia mí. No respondí con enojo. No podía. Solo repetí que estábamos atendiendo según prioridad médica.Él se fue molesto. Yo seguí trabajando. Lo que no se ve desde afuera Nadie vio que minutos antes había ayudado a estabilizar a otro paciente.Nadie vio que llevaba horas sin sentarme.Nadie vio que también estaba preocupada. En urgencias todo parece lento cuando esperas.Pero por dentro todo va demasiado rápido. No me afectó en el momento. O eso pensé. Pero más tarde, mientras acomodaba insumos, sentí ese cansancio emocional que no es físico. Es más profundo. Es cuando empiezas a preguntarte si realmente la gente entiende lo que haces. Cuando regresó Horas después, el mismo familiar volvió. Se acercó más tranquilo. Me dijo: —Perdón. Estaba desesperado. No fue un discurso largo. No fue dramático. Solo eso. Y fue suficiente. Porque entendí algo que a veces olvidamos: La mayoría de las veces no es contra nosotros.Es contra el miedo. Trabajar con personas significa trabajar con emociones En enfermería no solo se administran medicamentos.También se reciben frustraciones, dudas, lágrimas, silencios incómodos. No siempre recibimos agradecimientos.A veces recibimos reclamos. Y aun así, al día siguiente volvemos. Si trabajas en salud en México, probablemente viviste algo parecido.Tal vez más de una vez. ¿Te ha pasado algo así? Esta semana estamos compartiendo historias reales del personal de salud: momentos difíciles, cálidos y humanos que casi nunca se cuentan. Si quieres compartir tu experiencia de forma anónima, puedes hacerlo dentro de nuestra dinámica activa. Algunas historias serán seleccionadas para futuras publicaciones y posibles adaptaciones en formato corto para redes. Un detalle para quienes siguen firmes Sabemos que el reconocimiento no siempre llega cuando debería. Por eso queremos dejar un pequeño gesto para nuestra comunidad: Código: FB50Descuento: 50 MXN sin mínimo de compraVálido hasta: 22 de febrero, 23:59 (hora de México) Un pequeño recordatorio de que lo que haces importa, incluso cuando no lo dicen en voz alta.