Self-Maintenance: You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
If you’re in my area, you know things are crazy right now. The bridal alterations rush has been nonstop since mid-January, and I’m guessing many of you are in the same boat.
We’re pinning, stitching, steaming, and fitting dress after dress after dress. Our days are long, our calendars are filled, and our bodies are aching.
What I’ve Learned Over the Years:
Just like our machines need regular maintenance to work properly, so do our bodies and brains. You can’t run at full speed indefinitely without breaking down.
I know, I know—when you’re buried in work, self-care feels like a luxury you can’t afford. But here’s the truth: you can’t afford NOT to take care of yourself.
Many years ago, my neck, shoulders, and wrists were screaming at me. The repetitive motions of our work—hunching over dresses, hand-sewing for hours, reaching for pins, operating foot pedals—they take a serious toll. And some of those dresses are so heavy!
I realized I needed help.
Enter Estelle Rhodes
Estelle is an occupational therapist and yoga instructor who specializes in working with musicians. Why musicians? Because like us, they deal with repetitive strain on their shoulders, necks, arms, backs, wrists, and fingers.
I hired Estelle to create a yoga routine specifically for bridal alterations specialists.
She asked detailed questions about our work: How do we sit? What repetitive motions do we make? Where does tension build? Then she designed a targeted routine just for us.
The Result: Yoga for Bridal Alterations Specialists
Estelle created four videos for us:
- Warm-up before sewing
- Part 1, 2, and 3 for different areas of focus
These aren’t generic yoga videos. This is targeted relief for the specific ways our bodies suffer from alterations work.
Why This Is Important
When your body hurts, you can’t work at your best. When you’re exhausted, you make mistakes. When you’re burned out, you lose the joy that made you love this work in the first place.
Taking 10-15 minutes to warm up before sewing or stretching after a long day isn’t selfish—it’s essential maintenance.
Your Machine Gets Regular Care—
You wouldn’t run your sewing machine without oil, cleaning, or maintenance. You know it would break down.
Your body is no different.
During busy season especially, self-maintenance becomes even more critical. The busier you are, the more you need to protect your physical and mental health.
What Self-Maintenance Looks Like:
- Stretching before and after sewing sessions
- Taking real breaks (not just scrolling your phone while sitting)
- Staying hydrated
- Getting enough sleep (I know, easier said than done)
- Moving your body regularly
- Saying no when you’re at capacity
You Can’t Pour from an Empty Cup
I know you want to serve every bride beautifully. I know you take pride in your work. I know you feel pressure to say yes to every project.
But if you don’t maintain yourself, you won’t be able to serve anyone—including yourself.
This busy season will pass. The question is: how will you feel when it’s over? Accomplished and energized? Or depleted and broken down?
Make the Choice
Maintenance isn’t optional. It’s how you sustain a long, successful career in this physically demanding work.
Take care of your body. Take care of your mind. Take breaks. Stretch. Rest when you need to.
You deserve to thrive in this career, not just survive it.
Love,
Dee Dee
P.S. If you’re interested in the yoga videos Estelle created for bridal alterations specialists, I’ve linked them below for you. They’ve made a real difference in how my body feels during busy season.