Staying Healthy Keeps Singing Fun!

As a singer, we must do everything we can to stay healthy.

We can start by getting plenty of rest. If you are tired and overworked, the muscles in your throat will not work their best. You should also maintain proper diet and exercise. Singing, believe it or not, is an athletic event! We should always be in good physical shape when we sing.

Try to keep your body free from excess stress and tension. Do some stretching exercises; take warm showers; and get a massage once in a while, it will make a difference.

Another thing to remember, especially during the winter, is to stay warm. Keep your chest, throat, and mouth well covered when you are outside in the cold, winter air. The wind chill alone can make it difficult to keep our vocal instrument from being able to function at its’ optimal level of quality.

In addition, be sure to humidify your environment. Keep your home well humidified especially in the winter when dry air is very present.  If no humidifier is present, drink extra water while in dry environments.

Margaretta Taylor, MA, CCC-SLP Speech-Language Pathologist states; “we should avoid screaming, yelling or talking over background noises. These behaviors result in increased stress on the vocal muscles and may cause swelling, polyps or loss of voice.”

Another habit some of us have is clearing our throat too many times. This can lead to some serious problems, so avoid this issue by swallowing and drinking plenty of water. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day is very important to your vocal health. Decreased hydration may promote thick mucus to collect in your throat and cause you to clear your throat more often.

And finally, make certain you take some “voice breaks” throughout your day. As singers, try not to use your voice if you don’t have to. This is especially important after a long week of preparing for a show or doing a weekend school or workshop. Even if someone, is not a singer, these tips are helpful for them too!  Debate team, Cheerleaders, anyone who uses their voices should protect themselves!

If you do have a vocal problem that persists over a week or two, talk with your parents and they may take you to the doctor for an examination.  Doing the smart things to stay healthy will make a big difference in your satisfaction as a singer both now and for the many future years as a singer. 

 -borrowed and adapted from the Barbershop Harmony Society.