You may have heard of Fetlife already or you started participating in some sexy cosplay as part of your sexy BDSM experimentation, or maybe you have been interested in DDLG…In any case, you need to understand the basics of BDSM in order to engage in play safely.

This BDSMTest (or kink test, if you will), touches on just a few core principles of BDSM, including consent, aftercare and boundary-setting.

BDSM play can result in the release of dopamine and serotonin, both neurotransmitters that make you feel good. Healthy BDSM play can result in more calm, happiness, confidence, passion and creativity. It can also help a couple bond to each other.

In BDSM, you can also enter into altered states that help your mental health. 

In recent studies, researchers have found that “people who practice BDSM are psychologically healthier than those who are not, scoring higher on certain indicators of mental health. Those that practiced kinky sex were less neurotic, more secure in their relationships, and had better overall well-being.”

There are so many benefits to engaging in BDSM play done right, that some people say that S&M might be the new yoga.

The main ones are:
* Enhanced communication with your parners
* More self-knowledge
* Increased vitality
* Increased blood flow to the brain
* And many more

The opposite side of that is BDSM that is done incorrectly, unethically or without the proper precautions. People see the 50 shades movies and think all there is to BDSM is to tie someone up and hit them with a flogger. In reality, there is a lot of responsibility on play partners to set boundaries and determine what is safe play for them.

In order to know what you are getting into, you need to know what your boundaries are. If you are a newbie and you are coming into this with no experience and no idea what you really like, it is a good idea to look at a kink list or questionnaire to start with.

If you have any questions or want to learn more about BDSM and how to do it safely and ethically, head on over to our course, BDSM 101.

This course covers everything a beginner needs to know, including how to get into role play, how to dominate your partner, how to submit to your partner, bondage basics, and more.

Once you figure out what kinks you are curious about, you can learn more about how to communicate those kinks with your partner/s. Our goal is to help you bridge the gap between what you know about BDSM (which could very well be based on common misperceptions) and what real, healthy and fun BDSM play can be.

Often the line between BDSM and emotional abuse is one that some people do not know how to tread. Before you embark on your BDSM journey, or even if you have already started but you aren’t sure if you are “doing it right” or taking the right precautions, you should get educated about the risks, the rewards and the main protectionary principles involved.

Kink and BDSM can be fun and fulfilling. You want to get the most out of your play!

So, take the time to get to know the rules or best practices and educate yourself on how you can discover your own boundaries, communicate them to others and respect your partners’ as well.

After all, an educated kinkster can spread that knowledge to others! And that makes for a sexy safe world for all of us!