Burning Man is much like an S&M relationship. It'll beat you down, it'll make you cry, and you'll love it for it. But, as in all such relationships, aftercare is critical.

1) Wash your gear. Playa dust is corrosive and conductive... it will slowly eat through your gear if allowed to sit for long periods. This is especially true for bikes... hose them down, especially around the gears and chain, and wash them throughly before re-oiling them. Cleaning off the engines of cars is also important. Any electronics must be carefully cleaned as well. Remember that vinegar will nuetralize the dust effectively on some things, but can damage other equipment. If you just leave the stuff covered in playa, it won't work nearly as well next year (if at all).

2) Sleep! You need it.

3) Olive oil and vinegar are great for restoring your body to normal. My girlfriend likes to pour vinegar on her head to restore her hair, and I know olive oil can be great for rehydrating dry skin. My hands are just now returning to normal.

4) Now is a great time to write down what went right and what went wrong with the way you prepared for burning man this year. Did your shade structure hold up? What could have been improved there? What should you have done and shouldn't you have done? What should you have brought, and what did you bring that you didn't need? Figure this out now while it's fresh so next year you're prepared.

5) Don't forget to develop the pictures!

And remember... it's 51 weeks until Burning Man!