Singing is a great way to improve your mental and physical health. It is also a wonderful social activity and can create a sense of bonding similar to the feeling of being part of a sports team.
However, it is important to take good care of your singing voice and vocal cords. Here are some tips on how to do this.
See A Singing Coach
It may be a good idea to visit a vocal/singing coach in order to get one-on-one tips and advice on keeping those cords as healthy but as powerful as possible. Singing teachers in Glasgow can help you navigate how you use your voice to the best of its ability, as well as keeping it in the best condition for the longest time.
Singing lessons are for everyone, and can save you many injuries and possible damage in the future.
Warm-Up And Cool-Down
Warming up and cooling down your voice is essential before and after you use it. Voices can be easily strained and hoarse, which makes it easier to damage your vocal cords if you don’t take the right steps to protect it before and after you sing.
You can find easy, fast warm-ups and cool-downs online, or you can ask a professional to give you exercises based on your range and ability.
Drink Plenty Of Water
Professional singers who take their career seriously prioritise their vocal health – they’d be in big trouble if they lost their voices. Drinking plenty of water helps to keep the voice hydrated. Alcohol and caffeine can also dehydrate the voice, as well as causing strain on the vocal folds.
Room temperature water with a squeeze of lemon is one of the best drinks for your voice. You can also drink herbal teas made for singers, such as slippery elm, peppermint and licorice root, which help to soothe the throat and cut through mucus. Getting enough sleep will also support optimum voice quality. A tired voice is more prone to injury.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking (and second-hand smoke) irritates the vocal cords. In severe cases, it can lead to growths called vocal nodules and vocal polyps which can be very painful.
Shouting, screaming and talking too loudly can also cause vocal damage. It is advisable to avoid these activities, especially when singing.
Plenty Of Rest
A healthy, well rested voice is essential for singers. Just like your body, your voice needs rest to regenerate. A tired voice is more prone to strain and damage.
Make sure you are getting enough sleep the night before a performance or audition. Drink plenty of water, but avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they dehydrate your body. A good throat spray or lozenge containing slippery elm is a great way to keep your vocal cords lubricated and reduce inflammation.
Having good posture is also important for a healthy voice. Slouching and hunching your shoulders can negatively impact the sound of your voice by restricting air flow and stopping your diaphragm from expanding correctly.