No matter what your introduction to the world of sex work was like – excited and motivated by sexual freedom, or out of necessity – you know that our experiences are layered and complex. But one area we can all relate to is the emotional and physical labor that lives through our work. With the associated risks of our jobs, wellness routines are essential but constantly overlooked.
Although the world minimizes the experiences of sex workers under the framework that it's illegal and immoral, research shows that SW is a thriving business, but also taxing. A 2023 study found that “Sex workers experience high rates of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.” More specifically, “SWs are exposed to numerous risk factors, including violence, and systemic abuse; but they face barriers to accessing health services.” Sex workers must cope with these issues at the same time as navigating the more negative aspects of the industry, which can exacerbate their effect.
As sex workers, adopting a sexual and mental wellness routine is integral, as it ties into our safety. For most of us, there’s no structured job orientation or onboarding process that teaches us methods for supporting our wellness needs, whereas civilians within mainstream industries often have access to mental health days or unlimited sick leave to help sustain their employment in times of ill-health.
Despite the public lack of acknowledgement, the need for wellness support for sex workers has existed for some time, and is constantly growing within our communities.
Here are 5 empirically supported mental and sexual wellness methods that can help you build and enhance your wellness routine
Affirmations
Affirmations first gained notoriety as a pseudo-science but after years of speculation, psychologists tested the theory and found that the claims were true – affirmations are an effective practice. Wellness expert and Psychology Today contributor, Dr. Tchiki Davis defines affirmations as “Statements that we say to ourselves that can shift our mindset and make us feel better about ourselves.” For example, sentiments such as “I am safe,” “I feel empowered within my sexual energy,” and “My sexuality is nothing to be ashamed of,” are great affirmations for internalized shame and fear.
Journaling
Whether you’re reveling within your thriving business with loyal clientele or struggling through a rough patch, journaling is arguably, an essential. In fact, studies have found that journaling is so effective, it can also aid in physical healing as well.
If you’re tapping journaling as a wellness tool, take some time at the end of your day – or night – and write down your thoughts, how you feel, any worries you had throughout the day, and any emotional goals you'd like to work towards. From this moment of self-intimacy, you may find relief, and a guide as to what affirmations you really need to hear. Begin writing these out daily – this is a tool called scripting.
If writing is not a format you love, get creative and try video journaling. Incorporate elements of your craft such as dancing, self-pleasure, or whatever else feels good.
Yoga
A long-established wellness practice, yoga is an amazing tool for supporting your mind-body connection. As previously discussed, sex work can be very taxing emotionally as well as physically. Research shows that yoga enhances flexibility and strength – essentials for sex work – but also supports healthy mood and provides stress relief. Depending on your resources, you can dedicate your time to a weekly class, or even workout with qualified instructors hosting free courses on platforms like Youtube.
Erotic Mindfulness
It’s no secret that shame is common within our work so it's important to dedicate time to your mentality and personal agency. Erotic mindfulness is the experiencing of pleasure, with patience and awareness, and without judgment. In the field of sex work, our sexuality is often a means to an end, for example, fulfilling the fantasies of clientele. Erotic mindfulness takes the goal out of pleasure and invites you to simply focus on how pleasure feels.
As a former sex worker, practicing erotic mindfulness during solo sex helped strengthen my mind-body connection. It taught me new ways to please myself and remain present during sex, which was something my work had previously made difficult.
Sexual Wellness Apps
“There’s an app for that,” now extends to your sexual wellness routine, too. In the last decade, sexual wellness coaching apps have gained notoriety – and with great reason. Created with women in mind, these apps double as a safe space and a hub of the best wellness tools, promoting a holistic sexual wellness routine. These include daily check-ins, guided group meditation sessions, relationship advice, as well as in-app coaches and physicians who offer advice that some healthcare systems cannot.
As a result, you’re more likely to adopt these methods into your day-to-day, which is essential for creating a work-life-balance and enhancing your wellbeing. To begin exploring, try Rosy or Coral.
As sex workers, it's our responsibility to tend to our wellness routine with the utmost care. With sex-negative reminders constantly intruding upon our community and social systems, remember to tap into these tools to keep yourself grounded and positive about your work – and ultimately who you are.
Are you a sex worker with a story, opinion, news, or tips to share? We'd love to hear from you!
We started the tryst.link sex worker blog to help amplify those who aren't handed the mic and bring attention to the issues ya'll care about the most. Got a tale to tell? 👇☂️✨
