Give your body a chance to get used to different things. One thing that many people will advise, is do not allow yourself to be restrained during your early play sessions. Once restrained, that's it. You can't get away. You become totally defenseless.
Bondage comes with trust.
Don't be a hero and feel you have to accept the hardest flogging you can take. Don't be a hero and not use your safe word . There is no shame whatsoever in having to call an end to something that may, in reality, be far more intense than you ever imagined. Ensure that your partner knows where you are both emotionally and physically . So until you have that level of intimacy, communicate as much as possible.