I am sitting here having woken after an excellent play party.  Sitting is all I can do.

I forgot to do what I try to do with people when I have scenes with them- Aftercare.

Aftercare is one of those things that most people think of for the sub or bottom.  The water in hand as the warm blanket being put around them to keep subspace from becoming shock is the prime example.  Making sure that any wounds are tended to and the equipment is cleaned is also needed.  This is all Aftercare, but the Top needs to have Aftercare, too.

I was not paying attention to myself as I was standing, walking, flogging, more standing, talking with people…  Doing this, and more, for six hours took it’s toll.

As I feel my hips and wrists ache, I know I should have sat more often and possibly have taken some pain reliever before I went to bed.  I know I did not drink enough water and did not eat properly before–and not at all during–the gathering.  And I really should have taken up the offer of a foot massage.

Keeping this in mind, I will tell you several things I have done in the past to combat Top Fatigue, and what I am doing now to clean myself up.

Water.  I think I had, with the inclusion of carbonated beverages and a sippy box of apple juice, less than 24 oz of liquid last night.  Since the recommended water intake can be between 32 and 64 oz per day, I really lacked that yesterday.  Anything with caffeine will cut the intake number in half as it is a diuretic.  Since I awoke, I have had more water than I had total liquid last night.  Pushing water is needed, and necessary.

Vitamins.  I had my usual multi-vitamin with minerals and b-vitamins, plus added extra vitamin C, Glucosamine and an antihistamine.  Yes, I took an antihistamine without a ’reaction’.  But, with the low level pain and such I have, it feels exactly the same as the next day after I have had a great deep-tissue massage.  I have things going through my system that can cause my body to think I am fighting an infection or allergic reaction.  This works for the sub fighting sub-drop as well.

Quiet.  This might sound odd, but the play party was very loud.  Having quiet for several hours helped with my ears, and my head.  Most gatherings have music that is very, very … very loud.  Having not even background music while I was having my first water kept my ears from being overly sensitive when I did start listening to music, and headed off a potential headache.

Exercise.  That might sound counter intuitive, but if you do not move when your muscles are fatigued, the lactic acid and other toxins can dig in and your muscles can settle into unhealthy positions, making it more difficult to move later.  Even if you cannot do 20 minutes on the bike or do a complete set of reps with your weights, keep moving to keep your muscles from locking up.

Water…  In the form of a hot shower.  It helps to relax muscles that are sore, and to keep those toxins flowing away.  It is amazing how much of the things your body tries to get out comes out of our pores.  If you have a hot tub available, that would be great, but do not stay in for too long.  The shock of hot to cold can make the muscle aches even worse.

Mental space.  I try to keep track of how I am feeling and if I get cranky or moody after a good play party or session, I combat it by treating myself as a 4 year old.  That might sound strange, but if I am moody or cranky, first, I try having a snack, like a banana, and then, if it still is being a bad emotional day and I can, I take a nap.  Sending myself to my room to keep from unintentionally biting heads off has kept calm in my household over the years.

These are just a few of the main things I do for myself, and recommend that you keep in mind when you are preparing to go to a play party or a Pro-Dom.  Kinky play sessions can take a lot out of you before you know it.

Take care of yourself or I will have to send you to your room.

Miss R from the Leathermines.