Fall weather and cooler temperatures have arrived for most of us. It just plain makes me sad. 😉 I’m a summer lover! But in addition to the day when you have to see if you still fit into your jeans from last year, the drop in temperature often leads to drier air, which can dehydrate our vocal cords. This might actually be more serious that having to buy new jeans!
For many of us, this change in temperatures and humidity may result in a scratchy or hoarse voice, making it crucial to stay well-hydrated and maintain a humidified indoor environment during the colder months. The seasonal shift can also bring about an increased susceptibility to common colds and respiratory infections, which can further strain the voice. And we all know that a good sinus cold can derail our voice over productivity for days!
Therefore, it's essential to be proactive in safeguarding your vocal. Double-check you’re doing the things on this list:
🎤 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗼𝗽 𝟭𝟬 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗲 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵🎤
1. Hydrate: Drink plenty of WATER to keep your vocal cords lubricated. Notice, WATER is capitalized…not soda, pop, sugary drinks…
2. Warm-Up: Prior to any recording or practice session, warm up your voice with gentle exercises. Seriously…you must do this before each and every recording session.
3. Rest: Adequate sleep is crucial for vocal recovery and rejuvenation.
4. Avoid Overuse: Limit excessive talking, shouting, or singing. I even stop shouting “Bunco” at my monthly Bunco game!
5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol: These can dehydrate your vocal cords. I know…these are sad things to give up.
6. Breathe Deeply: Practice deep breathing exercises to support your voice.
7. Humidify: Use a humidifier to maintain a comfortable level of moisture in the air. I suggest having one in your bedroom. Remember to keep your humidifier clean!
8. Vocal Exercises: Incorporate regular vocal exercises into your routine.
9. Avoid Smoking: Smoking is harmful to your vocal cords…and other things.
10. Listen to Your Body: If your voice feels strained or tired, give it a break. Be mindful of your own limits…and don’t take on more voice over work than you can handle. You’ll need to budget your talking time to make sure your voice stays strong and healthy.
Remember, your voice is unique and irreplaceable. Taking care of it is an investment in your future success. 🌟