Alongside developing your vocal technique through singing lessons (both with a teacher and proactively yourself), it’s crucial to pay attention to maintaining the overall health of your vocal folds. With appropriate care, you can significantly enhance your singing performance and sustain your vocal health in the long run.
Maintaining Overall Vocal Health
Maintaining your general health is paramount. Keeping proper sleeping hours, maintaining a healthy body weight, and getting regular exercise (preferably outdoors for some sunlight) can contribute significantly to your vocal health. Adopting stress management strategies like yoga and meditation, and paying attention to your psychological health is equally important. Remember, conditions such as anxiety and depression can impact your voice.
The Environment and Vocal Coaching
The environment you surround yourself with can directly influence the condition of your vocal folds. Aim for a warm, hydrated environment, especially when travelling or in drier climates. Extremes of temperature, cold and dry air, dust, and smoke—can negatively affect your vocal folds by drying them out.
Diet: A Singer’s Fuel
In terms of diet, what affects your body also impacts your vocal folds. Aim to consume plenty of fruits, salad, and vegetables daily while avoiding overeating. It’s healthier to have small meals throughout the day instead of a few large ones. Cut down on dairy products if they cause you to produce excess mucus, particularly items like chocolate and cheese. Avoid eating close to bedtime to prevent reflux and cut down on sugar, overly spicy foods, and fast foods. It’s also critical to steer clear of toxins, including illicit substances.
Hydration: Essential for Vocal Artists
Staying well-hydrated is vital for the optimal function of your vocal folds, so aim to drink about 2 litres of water a day. Be careful with caffeinated drinks like tea, coffee, and cola, as well as alcohol, which can leave you feeling dehydrated.
Good Routines with a Vocal Coach
Adopting good routines can work wonders for vocal health. Regular steaming, for example, can increase hydration and help repair the voice. Moreover, ensure you warm up and cool down your voice and body before and after singing. Working 1-1 with a private vocal coach is a very good idea if you are able. To ensure all areas of vocal technique are covered and understood, this takes time. Additionally, learning about the unique characteristics of your voice and recognising signs of discomfort or fatigue can help prevent issues and vocal strain longer term.
Vocal Rest and Supportive Techniques
Being aware of the need for vocal rest and employing a supported speaking voice is vital too. Strive to balance periods of vocal use with periods of rest, and remember to apply supportive techniques in speaking just like in singing.
Managing Illnesses & Things to avoid
Taking care of your vocal health should also include appropriate management of illnesses. Don’t sing if you have a sore throat, and take the time to understand what may have caused it. Common health issues that affect singers include colds, sinus problems, excessive mucus, acid reflux, and vocal nodules.
A few other common things to avoid:
- Talking over loud noise
- Clearing your throat/coughing unnecessarily.
- whispering if you are losing your voice.
- shouting if upset or anxious.
Seeking Medical Advice
If you notice any issues or discomfort, or your voice sounds different for more than two weeks seek medical advice. Some common problems to look out for include a tired voice, a decline in voice quality, discomfort, excessive, uncontrolled breathiness, or the need to clear your throat frequently.
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Vocal Health
In essence, taking singing lessons and caring for your vocal health are two sides of the same coin. Learning to sing involves not just mastering techniques but also understanding and caring for your voice. Ensuring a holistic approach towards vocal health can pave the way for a successful and sustainable singing life.
Take Action for Your Vocal Health
Now is the time to prioritise your vocal health! Incorporate these practices into your daily routine:
- Stay Hydrated: Make sure to drink enough water each day.
- Monitor Your Diet: Pay attention to foods that may impact your voice.
- Practice Regularly: Develop a consistent routine for warming up and cooling down your voice.
- Seek Support: Consider working with a vocal coach or mentor who can guide you on your journey.
- Singing should feel good.
- Listen to Your Body: If you experience discomfort, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
By taking these proactive steps, you can nurture your instrument and ensure a vibrant singing career!
If you’d like support developing healthy technique and understanding the needs of your voice more deeply, I offer expressive voicework, vocal coaching and artist development in London and online worldwide. Whenever you’re ready to care for your voice in a more grounded, sustainable way, you’re welcome to reach out.
