3 Ways to Protect Your Vocal Health
Does your voice crack when you try to sing? Or, your voice doesn’t come out loud enough? Or worse, your throat hurts when you sing? If you are someone with similar issues, we’ve got you covered. Read on!
There could be several reasons for this:
Inadequate warm up and cool down
As beginners, we are prone to make such mistakes, and even trained musicians sometimes end up rushing into the abhyas without proper warm up exercise. You wouldn’t start a workout without a proper stretch, right? The same rules apply to singing. Practicing without a proper warmup is one of the primary causes of vocal damage among musicians. Before singing, it's essential to prepare your vocal cords by doing warm-up exercises like humming, lip trills, tongue trills, and vocal sirens. Similarly, after singing, it's essential to cool down your voice by doing exercises that relax your vocal cords. You can try humming or gently massaging your throat to help your vocal cords relax. Doing these exercises regularly will help you prevent vocal strain and maintain your vocal health.
Abusive Usage of the Voice
Acid reflux and dehydration can also cause vocal damage. Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid flows back into the esophagus, which can irritate the vocal cords. Similarly, dehydration can cause dryness in the throat, which can lead to vocal strain and damage. To protect your vocal health, it's crucial to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You should also avoid foods and beverages that can cause acid reflux, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy or fatty foods.
How can YOU help your friends and family keep their voice healthy?
If you are not a singer, but want to help your kids or your friends keep their voice healthy, we’ve got some tips to help you.
Educate them regarding the causes of vocal damage like acid reflux, shouting, and improper warm up. Many people are unaware of the importance of vocal health and how to maintain it. Share the tips and information you have learned about protecting the voice, and encourage your loved ones to adopt healthy vocal habits.
Encourage them to stay hydrated. Drinking enough water is essential for maintaining vocal health. Encourage your friends and family to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and remind them to avoid drinks that can dehydrate the body, such as alcohol and caffeine.
Remind them to rest their voice. It's important to give the voice a break, especially if your friends and family use their voice for extended periods. Encourage them to take breaks and rest their voice when they start to feel vocal fatigue or strain.
Vocal health is crucial for musicians and music students. By doing regular warm-up and cool-down exercises, practicing proper vocal technique, and staying hydrated, you can prevent vocal strain and damage and maintain your vocal health. Remember to take care of your voice, and share these tips to help others maintain their vocal health too.