Taking care of your voice

In conjunction with honing your vocal technique (both through professional instruction and independent practice), it's critical to also keep an eye on the overall wellbeing of your vocal folds. By giving them the proper care they deserve, you can boost your singing performance while ensuring your vocal health in the long term.

At the forefront of this is your overall health. Regular sleep, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting in your daily exercise (preferably outdoors to soak up some sunshine) can all contribute significantly to the health of your voice. Implementing stress management techniques, such as yoga and meditation, and monitoring your mental health are just as critical. Keep in mind that mental health issues like anxiety and depression can have tangible effects on your voice.

The environment you inhabit can directly affect the condition of your vocal folds. Strive for a warm, moist atmosphere, particularly when travelling or staying in drier climates. Extremes of temperature, as well as cold, dry air, dust, and smoke (especially second-hand smoke) can harm your vocal folds by causing them to dry out.

When it comes to nutrition, what's good for your body is generally good for your vocal folds. Try to incorporate plenty of fruits, salads, and vegetables into your daily meals, while avoiding overindulgence. Smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day are better than a few large ones. Reduce your intake of dairy products if they lead to excess mucus production, especially culprits like chocolate and cheese. Avoid eating just before bedtime to avert reflux, and cut down on sugar, overly spicy foods, and fast foods. Needless to say, steer clear of toxins, including illegal substances.

Proper hydration is vital for your vocal folds to function at their best, so aim for roughly 2 litres of water a day. Be cautious with caffeine-rich beverages like tea, coffee, and cola, as well as alcohol, all of which can cause dehydration.

Developing beneficial routines can do wonders for your vocal health. Regularly steaming, for instance, can enhance hydration and aid in voice repair. Also, make sure to warm up and cool down your voice and body before and after use. Understanding the unique quirks of your voice and recognising signs of discomfort or fatigue can help prevent vocal strain.

Being conscious of the need for vocal rest and utilising a supported speaking voice are also crucial. Aim to balance periods of vocal use with periods of rest, and remember to apply the same supportive techniques to speaking as you do to singing.

If you notice any issues or discomfort, don't hesitate to seek medical advice. Some common warning signs include a fatigued voice, a decline in voice quality, discomfort, breathiness, or frequent throat clearing.

Managing your vocal health should also involve appropriate management of illnesses. If you have a sore throat, refrain from singing and make an effort to identify the cause. Common health issues that affect singers include colds, sinus problems, excessive mucus, acid reflux, and vocal nodules.

In summary, taking singing lessons and caring for your vocal health are two facets of the same journey. Learning to sing isn't just about mastering techniques, but also about comprehending and caring for your voice. Adopting a holistic approach towards vocal health can pave the way to a fruitful and enduring singing career.