Maintain an ALL Star Voice
Yes, we all enjoy singing! But as singers we tend to forget about the importance of maintaining a healthy Voice! For the most part we figure "hey since I drink room temperature water and do vocal warm-ups, I should be fine." While drinking room temp water is great! We must remember that just as an athlete have to exercise, and maintain a healthy diet, we must do the same to sustain a healthy voice. Scientist and Researchers have found that maintaining a healthy voice involves much discipline.
Here are 10 Great Tips that ALL vocalist (even aspiring) should regularly follow!
- Of course drink room temperature water! Although we are all aware of this for the most part, but we must remember that too much water can harm us. (F.Y.I: too much of anything is not good for you) A suffice amount of water would be 64oz a day! (GreGory A. Grillone, M.D.) Sounds like a lot, but its only the average amount that is recommended by any health consultant. Food you should try for water intake: apples, pears, watermelon, peaches, melons, grapes, plums, bell peppers and applesauce. (LIVE SCIENCE)
- NO SMOKING...PERIOD! If you do it would be best that you quit now. We all know what smoking can do to our lungs. Just imagine what it will do to your voice! Even second hand smoke can affect our vocal chord. Avoid in any way possible. Smoke in the lungs could cause significant irritation and swelling of the vocal cords. This will permanently change your voice quality, nature, and capabilities. (American Academy of Otolaryngology)
- Physical Health: Exercise, taking napps, and vocal rest are all GREAT physical habits to obtain.
- Don't be a Vocal Abuser: Your voice is not unbreakable, please restrain from yelling, screaming, and loud talking. Be aware of your backgrounds. Sometimes when we are in a noisy surrounding we tend to raise the volume of our voice unconsciously. If your throat feels dry or tired, or your voice is getting hoarse, reduce your voice use. The hoarseness is a warning sign that your vocal cords are irritated.(Live Science)
- Relax your neck while singing: Many traditional singers have the habit of lifting their neck while singing high notes and lower their neck while singing low notes. Over time doing this will not just strain your vocal muscles but also cause limits on your vocal range. (Live Science)
- No throat clearing: Huh? You may ask, many people don't realize, but when you clear your throat, you are actually scratching and irratating your vocal cords. Clearing your throat too often can injure them and make you hoarse. (Live Science)Instead of scratching your throat when trying to clear it, just try simple pulling the mucus up through your throat, or just simply drink some room temp water.
- Minimize voice use when you are sick: When you are sick, it is best to allow yourself some vocal rest and drink lots of water.Singers should exhibit extra caution if one’s speaking voice is hoarse because permanent and serious injury to the vocal cords are more likely when the vocal cords are swollen or irritated. It is important to “listen to what your voice is telling you.” (american academy of otolaryngology)
- Humidify your home: Keeping a humidifier around is the simplest way to free your voice from all the air born germs and break away the mucus that can naturally build up inside of you.
- Avoid salty foods: I know you love your McDonald's fries and your lemon pepper wings from your favorite wing spot, BUT too much salt can cause some serious damage to your voice. Please avoid in any way you can. Salt dries your vocal cords, and it can ignite the hoarseness in your voice. So which is more important, McDonald's Salty fries....or that beautiful voice of yours??
- Speaking disciplines: Now how discipline can you be? Speaking softly and gracefully can be beneficial to your voice....why because you are reserving it for the next great performance. Good posture is an added benefit to maintaining a healthy voice.
Take care of that ALL Star Voice!
