Keep Your Voice Healthy This Autumn!
The weather outside is turning frightful for some of you so that means it's time to protect your precious vocal chords. The threat of catching a cold is high, as is drying out your throat from keeping the heat high inside your home. If you want the best chance at keeping your vocal chords healthy, follow these tips!
1 - Breath Through Your Nose
The easiest way to dry out your vocal chords is by breathing in through your mouth. The air you inhale is cold, bringing that coldness to your vocal chords. By breathing through your nose, your body will filter the air and heat it appropriately to your body temperature - then by the time it reaches your voice box, it will be clean and warm!
2 - Drink Plenty of Fluid
While you should always ensure your body is properly hydrated, it is even more important in the fall (when thinking about your voice) because it keeps your vocal chords elastic and flexible. When they become dehydrated, they will be tight and stiff and you will have to work twice as hard to reach those notes - AND - risk injury. So keep drinking that water, even during the colder months!
3 - Drink That Tea Too!
Warm beverages are another must-have during those colder months. They help reduce mucus build up and keep those vocal chords in tip top shape. HOWEVER, avoid the caffeine as it dehydrates you. So if coffee is your drink of choice, be sure too consume non-caffeinated beverages to ensure your voice doesn't get hoarse.
4 - Warm Up!
Warming up isn't just for athletes. It is more important than ever to do vocal exercises when the weather turns colder because it takes your body longer to to adjust and become flexible. The beautiful thing is doing vocal warm ups also helps your lungs stay healthy and boosts your immune system. Win-Win!
5 - Steam Is Your Friend
One of the best things you can do for those precious pipes is take a hot, steamy shower. It will not only help in keeping your nose and sinuses clear, but it helps your vocal chords stay moist and warm. If steamy showers aren't your thing, there are other ways to bring steam into your life. Try a hot steamy towel or they even have personal steamers you can purchase!
Follow these tips to keep your voice safe during the cold season! You have to ensure you listen to your body, so if you start singing and it feels a little rough or strained, take a break and listen to a few friends first while you sip some warm, non-caffeinated tea!
For your chance to get featured in an SS blog, social media post, What's Snappenin' OR as an exclusive SnapStar, participate in challenges and create cool, creative and fun videos! We also welcome links to be sent to us on Facebook or Instagram message for any content that you'd like to be shared with the world.