Keeping your voice healthy
Taking care of your voice is crucial for any singer, whether you’re an experienced performer or just starting your musical journey. Your voice is your instrument, and like any instrument, it requires maintenance, attention, and love. Here’s how you can ensure your voice remains in top shape.
A Few Basic Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Stay Hydrated: Consume at least 6 to 8 glasses of water daily.
- Rest Your Voice: Give it periods of rest to recover.
- Prioritise Your Well-being: Maintain good mental and physical health.
- Minimise Throat Clearing: Avoid clearing your throat too frequently.
- Warm Up: Warm up your voice before extensive use.
- Use a Humidifier: Keep a humidifier in your workspace to maintain moisture in the air.
DON’T:
- Speak Loudly in Noisy Environments: Avoid speaking over background noise at gatherings or sporting events.
- Strain Your Voice: Refrain from speaking or whispering when your voice feels strained.
- Sing Without Technique: Ensure you’re using proper vocal technique.
- Yell in Anger or Anxiety: Try not to raise your voice when upset.
- Expose Yourself to Irritants: Stay away from chemical irritants or dry, dusty environments.
- Overeat Before Bedtime: Avoid heavy meals just before sleep.
- Overuse Your Phone: Limit excessive phone use.
Be Cautious With:
- Dehydrating Beverages: Limit alcohol, coffee, tea, and cola, which can lead to dehydration.
- Poor Lifestyle Choices: Lack of sleep, excessive drinking, smoking (if quitting isn’t possible, at least reduce your intake), stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all harm your voice.
Remember:
- Dietary Impact: Spicy foods and dairy can affect vocal quality.
- Hormonal Changes: Factors like menopause, pregnancy, or menstruation can influence your voice.
- Emotional Connection: Your voice is closely linked to your emotions, so stress or sadness may manifest in your sound.
Seek Medical Guidance
Voice issues are rare, and there’s no need to be overly concerned. Just as athletes may face injuries, singers should not feel ashamed when encountering vocal challenges. The key is to care for your voice diligently—it’s your responsibility alone. If your voice changes and doesn’t return to normal after two weeks, consult a doctor. Don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you have concerns about your voice. Taking care of it is essential!
Trust Your Body’s Feedback
As singers, being physically self-aware is vital. Just as athletes listen to their bodies to prevent injury, you should check in with your voice daily, whether you’re singing or not. Simple “siren” exercises are fantastic for this, and I can show you how to do them. Engaging in daily “straw work” can also help you stay attuned to your voice.
For New Singers:
If you haven’t exercised your voice before, don’t suddenly try to train for an hour a day. Start with just 10 minutes and gradually increase the duration. Begin with small, conversational volumes to get to know your voice and understand what feels good and what doesn’t.
For example, if you repeatedly land incorrectly while performing star jumps at the gym, you risk injury. It’s not the exercise that’s wrong; it’s the execution.
Listen to Your Voice
Pay close attention to how your voice feels. If you experience any vocal issues, give your voice the rest it needs. This may mean complete silence or speaking quietly when necessary. Ignoring a sore throat and attempting to sing can exacerbate the problem.
Conclusion
Caring for your voice is an ongoing journey that requires attention, patience, and love. By trusting your body’s feedback, knowing your limits, and following best practices, you can ensure your voice remains healthy and strong for years to come. Remember, your voice is your most valuable asset as a singer—cherish it!
If you want support developing your voice with healthy technique and authentic expression, I work as a London vocal coach and online vocal coach for adults. Get in touch if you’d like guidance with vocal health, technique, or your artistic development.
