While many people focus primarily on play and training of BDSM, aftercare is absolutely essential. After a person has been pushed to their physical and mental limits, their mind and body can experience a massive drop as they try to orientate themselves back to reality.

After an intense BDSM session, scene, or training experience, both the Dominant and submissive or all parties involved will take some time to recover, known as aftercare.  This time is usually where the Dominant will provide a safe physical and mental space for the submissive, so the submissive can let go and relax after such a physically and mentally exhausting experience.

This is a truly important part of all BDSM play as it allows both partners to come down from the scene, reconnect with their partner and relax in a comforting safe environment.

While aftercare is typically meant for the submissive’s benefit, aftercare can be just as crucial for the Dominant’s well-being after an intense scene. It is meant to be a low-stress environment where each partner’s mental, emotional, and physical needs are supported and nurtured.

Aftercare can include things like:

• cuddling
• talking/laughing
• stretching
• massaging
• blankets for warmth
• tending to injuries from play
• fluids to rehydrate
• Special drinks like a calming herbal tea
• food to replenish your energy and comfort your soul
• setting up a unique environment that is calming and relaxing
• special comforting items (ie, blanket, clothes, toys)

Just as everyone has different kinks, everyone has different aftercare needs. So it is essential in your negotiations that you figure out before your partner is a sweaty, shaking, crying mass on the floor what exactly they will need from you for their aftercare