This I found on a other forum so i liked n stole it :)





This chapter is written by Annie Sprinkle

I have implemented most of these into my work/life in the last couple of years and can tell you that this advice is golden and it certainly does work.


13 Tips to cure Sex Worker Burnout Syndrome (SWBS):

1. Admit that you are burned out. Our egos,as well as incomes, are invested in feeling good about our work. Often we are scared to acknowledge Burnout, especially to ourselves. Learn to recognise it, and see it as an opportunity to make positive changes in your life.

2.Take breaks and vacations from your work as a matter of course. With enough down time and replenishment, you may never even get crispy, let alone burned out.

3.Spend time in nature. Most sex businesses are housed in dark, windowless, closed environments, in busy neighborhoods in high stress cities. Being in nature is a perfect balance. I have found being out on a boat to be my favorite medicine, but city park will do. Get some sun, fresh air, hang out with trees, smell the flowers and roll around in the grass.

4.Spend some time alone, go inside yourself, stay quiet, so something very relaxing or meditative, even if it's just for a few minutes. Languorous, candlelit, aromatic baths do wonders. Add mineral salts and herbal extracts to your bath to help release toxins and relieve stress. Close your eyes, relax your mind, take some long, deep breaths and draw in life-force energy to gain psychic strength. You need it.

5. Be in touch with your feelings and express them often. repressed emotions alone can create major burnout. I remember a few times when I had bouts of SWBS, bursting into tears with clients while they were fucking me, and raging at a few clients or my bosses when they didn't really deserve it. Not good for business! You will attract a better clientele, and ultomately make more oney, if you are emotionally strong and clear. When you are alone, have little cry sessions, or "crygasms", whenever possible. "Angergasms" are also necessary and valuable. Beat or scream into a pillow for as long as you need to. Or, team up with a trusted partner and take turns giving each other nonjudgmental attention: relaxed touching, aware listening and encouragement from a clearheaded sex-worker friend or understanding ally can facilitate release and enhance the process.

6.Be aware of what colors you wear and live in during off hours. Because most of us make the most money wearing particular colors (generally red, black or white), on your off hours try to wear other colors. Also, if yo work in an environment that is particular color, try to have other colors at home. Almost everywhere I worked was red, gold and black, so I made my bedroom royal blue and emerald green with hot pink accents, and it had a great equalizing effect.

7.Get therapy. Time and again I've seen friends and colleagues with SWBS feel a lot better relatively quickly with one therapy session a week. Be sure to find a therapist who is sex positive and nonjudgmental or, best of all, who has been around the block herself. I strongly suggest a woman, as most clients are men. If you are financially strapped, call women's or community health ceters for free therapy. Lots of SWBS comes from repeating unconscious negative patterns created from childhood experiences, learned beliefs about cultural norms, and the like. Therapy can help put you in the driver's seat, as opposed to doing things unconsciously. You can be sure that sex work will bring up lots of personal issues such as money, sex, men, sexual orientation. What's unresolved is what you may continue to attract. Sex work can be a great teacher and healer, especially when coupled with therapy.

8.Have a good social net of peers with whom you can have sympathetic, loving, supportive communication. There is absolutely no better cure than this. Sharing your stories and feelings with people who have had similar experiences is absolutely magical. For eight years I was part of a support group consisting of 5 porn stars, which we called Club 90. For one full evening every 3 weeks, each of us took a turn to share aout our lives. it was tremendous help and source of strength for all of us

9.Take good care of your body. Because our jobs involve our bodies, it is important to eat well, exercise and get body work. A good massage can do wonders for a worn-out whore or stripper. Again, it's best to have a session from a woman when possible. Less costly options are gardening, jogging, yoga classes, swimming or simply a long walk.

10.Get your mind (and body) off work. Indulge in your other interests and hobbies. Take a class or two. Go to a funny movie. Get a pet. Do something you've never done before. Go to a museum or carnival. Hang out with little kids or old folks. Use your imagination. The possibilities are endless.

11.Be willing to make less money. Decide what kinds of people you want to work with and be willing to let go of those that don't fit the bill. Develop your own style. Don't let the client determine the service. Rather, let him know what you offer. Practice saying "No". Clean out your little black book. Challenge yourself by periodiclly upgrading or expanding your business. You may in the short run seem to make less money, but taking care of your personal needs will give you longevity in the business and you'll surely come out ahead.

12.Create other sources of income. Look into other business or career opportunities, go to college or trade school, make an investment, start a sideline so that you won't feel financially trapped. This way, when you need a break from sex work, you'll have an alternative job.

13.If your SWBS is chronic, get the hell out of the business. Perhaps you are simply not cut out for it. it's not fulfilling your needs, or it's time for a change. Sometimes getting out of sex work can be difficult. You may need to leave gradually until you get your alternative sources of income in place. Or it might be best to go "cold turkey" and make radical changes all at once. In any case, you alone know what is the best for you, and have the power to make your life just the way you want it.