Several years ago, I posted a few reminders to help us all stay healthy and sound healthy. We have discussed healthy vocal production during our lessons, but it’s been far too long since I updated this space! So, here’s a little review and something new:

Do you have your water bottle? As I wrote before, a good night’s rest and hydration is what every singer needs first. Always have a bottle of water with you, if possible. If you worry about guzzling too much water during the day, try taking frequent, short sips to soothe your throat and help keep it clear in general without as many trips to the restroom.

NEW! – Do you like herbal tea? Many familiar herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and ginger are known to soothe a sore, scratchy throat and a stuffy nose due to allergies and colds. Though most doctors would not recommend that you replace all of your water intake with herbal teas, incorporating them into your vocal care routine—especially when you are ill—can help. However, most teas have benefits and risks, so use in moderation. Avoid caffeine, however, because it does not promote hydration.

Do you have healthy snacks for your lunch? You can eat your water as well as drink your water! Fruits and vegetables with high water content like watermelon, apples and cucumber make excellent snacks and keep lunches interesting.

Do you wash your hands often? As I said in 2017, vigorously washing your hands with soap and water for about 30 seconds several times a day in addition to your usual habits is best. Of course, if you cannot get to the faucet easily, use hand sanitizer in addition to fragrance free wipes.

Do you have tissues? Use fragrance free tissues because you don’t want to make a runny, sneezy nose worse.

NEW! – Do you really have to clear your throat? Clearing your throat is traumatic to your vocal folds (cords) and can lead to what I like to describe as an “infinite loop of irritation” and discomfort: clearing your throat creates irritation and swelling causing saliva to sit in your throat—> which makes you want to clear your throat—> which feels irritating and makes you feel like something is still stuck in your throat! Actually, let the experts explain even more through this short article about Voice Care from the UT Voice Center in San Antonio, TX. I’ll recommend more articles soon.

Until next time! – Practice Singing!