You’re not just doing a job-you’re managing a lifestyle that demands more from your body and mind than most people realize. Long hours, unpredictable schedules, emotional labor, and social stigma all pile up. If you’re an escort and you want to keep going strong, staying healthy isn’t optional. It’s your foundation.
Why Health Matters More Than You Think
Think of your body like a car. If you never change the oil, skip maintenance, or ignore the warning lights, it’s not a matter of if it will break down-it’s when. For escorts, burnout, illness, or mental collapse doesn’t happen overnight. It creeps in slowly: a missed sleep here, a skipped meal there, ignoring anxiety until it’s screaming.
Health isn’t just about avoiding STIs or getting enough rest. It’s about building resilience so you can show up for clients without losing yourself. You deserve to feel in control-not drained, anxious, or invisible.
Key Takeaways
- Regular STI testing isn’t just a requirement-it’s your right
- Mental health support isn’t a luxury; it’s survival
- Consistent sleep and nutrition beat caffeine and takeaways every time
- Boundaries aren’t rude-they’re necessary
- Community saves lives. You’re not alone.
Physical Health: Your Body Is Your Tool
You don’t need to run marathons or do yoga every morning. But you do need to treat your body like the machine that makes your work possible.
Start with the basics: sleep. If you’re working nights, try to lock in 6-7 hours of quality rest-even if it’s during the day. Use blackout curtains, white noise apps, and avoid screens 30 minutes before bed. Your brain needs that transition.
Nutrition matters more than you think. Skip the greasy takeaways after a long shift. Keep hard-boiled eggs, nuts, fruit, and prepped salads in your fridge. Hydration is just as important. Dehydration causes fatigue, headaches, and lowers your immune system. Carry a water bottle. Sip all day.
Physical activity doesn’t have to be intense. A 20-minute walk, stretching before bed, or even dancing to your favorite song in your flat counts. Movement reduces stress hormones and helps you feel grounded.
And yes-regular STI testing is non-negotiable. In the UK, clinics like Marie Stopes and Terrence Higgins Trust offer free, confidential testing. Get tested every 3 months, even if you use protection. Some infections show no symptoms for months. Early detection saves you from long-term damage.
Mental Health: You’re Not Supposed to Be Strong All the Time
The biggest myth? That you have to be ‘tough’ to survive this work. Truth? The strongest people are the ones who ask for help.
Many escorts carry shame, guilt, or loneliness. You’re constantly managing emotions-your own and your clients’. That’s emotionally exhausting. And it’s not something you can just ‘get over’.
Therapy isn’t just for crises. Seeing a therapist who understands sex work (not one who judges it) can change everything. Organizations like SWARM (Sex Workers’ Action Network) and English Collective of Prostitutes offer free or low-cost counselling tailored to sex workers. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit.
Journaling helps too. Write down how you felt after a session. What drained you? What gave you energy? Over time, patterns emerge. Maybe you notice you feel better after setting clear boundaries, or worse after working alone. Use that info to adjust.
And if you’re feeling overwhelmed, scared, or numb-don’t wait. Call a friend. Text a peer. Reach out. You’re not weak for needing support. You’re human.
Setting Boundaries: Your Power Tool
Boundaries aren’t just about saying ‘no’ to sex acts. They’re about saying ‘no’ to exhaustion, disrespect, and emotional overload.
Define your limits clearly: What services do you offer? What’s off-limits? What times are you available? Write them down. Keep them visible-on your phone, in your notes, on a sticky note by your door.
Train yourself to say ‘no’ without apology. You don’t owe anyone an explanation. ‘I don’t do that’ is enough. If a client pushes, block them. End the booking. Walk away. Your safety and peace are worth more than one payment.
Use screening tools: Ask for ID, check reviews, use trusted platforms with safety features. Never go to a client’s home alone unless you’re 100% sure. Always tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll be back.
Community: You’re Not Alone
One of the most powerful things you can do is connect with other escorts. Online forums, private Facebook groups, and peer-led collectives exist for a reason: isolation kills.
In London, groups like SWARM and London Sex Workers’ Forum host monthly meetups. You don’t have to share details. Just showing up-sitting quietly, sipping tea, listening-can lift a weight you didn’t know you were carrying.
These aren’t just social groups. They’re lifelines. Someone might share a tip about a safe area to meet clients. Another might warn you about a bad reviewer. Someone else might remind you that you’re not broken for needing rest.
Find your people. Even one trusted peer makes a difference.
What to Expect When You Prioritize Health
When you start taking care of yourself, things shift-not overnight, but steadily.
You’ll sleep better. You’ll feel less anxious. You’ll have more energy during sessions. Clients notice when you’re calm, present, and confident. You’ll turn down more bad bookings because you’re no longer desperate. You’ll start enjoying your work again-not just enduring it.
One escort I spoke to in Brixton said: ‘I started eating real meals again. I stopped working three nights in a row. I called a therapist. I didn’t feel like a superhero. I just felt like me again.’
That’s the goal: not to be invincible. Just to be well.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping meals to ‘save time’-your body needs fuel
- Using alcohol or drugs to cope-temporary relief, long-term damage
- Working through illness-your immune system needs rest
- Ignoring emotional fatigue-burnout doesn’t come with a warning label
- Isolating yourself-loneliness amplifies stress
Resources You Can Use Right Now
- Terrence Higgins Trust - Free STI testing and sexual health advice across the UK
- SWARM - Peer support, counselling, and advocacy for sex workers
- English Collective of Prostitutes - Legal advice and mental health support
- The National Ugly Mugs Scheme - Report dangerous clients anonymously
- Mind - Free mental health resources, including text and phone support
Final Thought: You Deserve to Thrive
This work doesn’t define your worth. Your health does. And your right to safety, rest, dignity, and peace? That’s not up for negotiation.
Start small. Drink more water today. Text a friend. Book a test. Say no to one thing that doesn’t feel right. These aren’t tiny acts-they’re acts of rebellion against a system that tells you to disappear.
You’re not just surviving. You’re building a life. And that’s worth protecting.
How often should I get tested for STIs as an escort?
Every 3 months is the standard recommendation, even if you use protection. Some infections like chlamydia or syphilis can be silent for months. Free testing is available at clinics like Terrence Higgins Trust or local sexual health services. Don’t wait for symptoms.
Can I get mental health support if I’m not in crisis?
Yes. Many organizations like SWARM and the English Collective of Prostitutes offer counselling specifically for sex workers-even if you’re just feeling tired, lonely, or unsure. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit from talking to someone who understands.
What should I do if a client makes me feel unsafe?
Trust your gut. End the session immediately. Leave the location. Tell a trusted friend or colleague what happened. Report the client through the National Ugly Mugs Scheme. Your safety is more important than any payment or reputation.
Is it normal to feel guilty or ashamed after working?
Yes, it’s common-especially if you’ve internalized stigma. But guilt isn’t a sign you’re doing something wrong. It’s a sign you’ve been told you should feel that way. Talking to a peer or therapist can help you separate societal judgment from your own values.
How can I find other escorts for support?
Look for local groups like London Sex Workers’ Forum or online communities like SWARM’s private forum. Avoid public platforms where clients might lurk. Start by reading posts. Then, if you feel ready, say hello. You don’t have to share personal details to find connection.
