Sex work is both physically and emotionally demanding, so it’s no surprise that burnout is a high risk for individuals who work in the sex industry. Taking care of your physical and emotional health is essential in improving the overall quality of your life and there are many ways in which you can increase your self-care strategies.
Ways to promote physical well-being:
• Like any person working with the public, individuals working in the sex trade are in contact with numerous people throughout the day. To avoid getting viruses that may be going around, wash your hands as often as possible. If water is not available, use hand sanitizer. (“Prevention and Rehabilitation”, 2009).
• Get adequate sleep.
• Engage in physical activities that you enjoy, such as taking a walk, riding a bike, or yoga.
• Take breaks throughout your work day and try to reduce the number of hours you work, and if possible, the number of clients you see.
• Ensure you are drinking enough water and staying hydrated while working, always keep a bottle of water with you. Keeping water with you will help you avoid drinking too many sports drinks and sodas which can actually de-hydrate you.
• Make healthy decisions about the food that you consume. As much as possible add a mix of fruits and vegetables, and “meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu” (“Meat and Alternatives”, 2008) to your daily diet. To avoid eating fast food and overly sugary snacks when working, always keep healthy snack foods like granola bars, with you. Eating a nourishing diet is important in maintaining healthy brain functioning, and “helps us make safer, more logical choices” (“Prevention and Rehabilitation”, 2009).
• On days when you are feeling worn-out, suggest sexual activities that may not be as strenuous for you to your clients.
• Get tested regularly for HIV and other STI’s. Getting tested will not only keep you in control of your physical health, but it can also bring you peace of mind.
Ways to promote emotional well-being:
• Maintain a healthy support system.
• Write your emotions and feelings down in a journal. Having an outlet for your emotions is an extremely healing process.
• Find ways to center yourself. Excellent ways to discover your center and relax your mind are through meditation or yoga.
• Have a good laugh. Laughter can do wonders for your spirit!
• Engage in hobbies that are of interest to you, like painting or writing poetry.
• Listen to music that brings you happiness.
• Learn to cook. Cooking can be quite relaxing and is also a great way to maintain a healthy diet.
• Read. Reading can be a great way to escape without actually having to go anywhere.
• Access services. There are agencies that offer free and confidential testing and counseling, along with many other services.
Contact Shift for more information on how and where to obtain these services:
110, 1603 10th Avenue SW
(403) 237-8171
info@shiftclagary.org
References:
Health Canada (2008, January 14). Meat and Alternatives. Retrieved on January 13, 2011 from http://hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/choose-choix/meat-viande/index-eng.php
Trade Secrets (2009, November 13). Prevention and rehabilitation. Retrieved on January 13, 2011 from http://tradesecretsguide.blogspot.com/search/label/Our%20Bodies
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