Singing is similar to playing an instrument – you should take good care of it and use it properly. To maintain your voice properly, it’s essential that you understand its needs and what can harm it, so that you can ensure all necessary repairs are made.
Warming Up Your Voice Before Singing
Before beginning to sing for any extended period of time, it’s best to warm up your voice first. This can be done in several ways and will help stretch out the vocal cords before beginning your performance.
Humming is an effective way to relax your facial muscles and throat, or you could try some tongue trills and lip rolls. Doing this will help loosen up your facial muscles and throat so your voice is ready for use.
Diet
A nutritious and balanced diet is key for keeping your voice in top condition. Focus on foods high in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals like plenty of fresh produce like fruit and vegetables as well as some protein with lots of water. Avoid dairy products and caffeine before performing as these may increase mucus buildup or constrict cords.
Exercise
A healthy and active lifestyle not only benefits your overall wellbeing, but can be especially beneficial to your singing voice as well. Just as sleep affects all body systems, exercising regularly helps improve breathing technique and maintain proper posture – both of which are essential elements for optimal vocal health.
Drinking Water
Hydrating your vocal cords with plenty of water is the best thing you can do for their health. Not only will this keep them hydrated and supple, but it may also reduce congestion to help protect against throat infections.
Drink around 2 litres of water daily, and make sure to drink it frequently throughout the day to prevent dryness and irritation in your throat. You can also add a teaspoon of honey to your water or tea for extra soothing and hydration benefits.
Posture
A slumped back, sagging shoulders and hunched over stance can all put undue strain on your voice and lead to poor vocal technique. To keep your vocal chords healthy and in top condition, always ensure that you have proper posture before singing.
Exercise
Regular physical activity is beneficial for vocal health, and not only that but it can also improve performance when taking breaks from singing. Exercise
Not only will this benefit your voice, but it can help speed up recovery times when needed for rest periods as well.
Massage
Your neck and facial muscles are essential for controlling your vocal cords, so it’s beneficial to do some gentle stretches before singing. These should last at least 10 minutes but it’s beneficial to do them daily so your throat and neck remain in optimal condition and reduce strain on the vocal chords.
