Let’s Talk Vocal Health!
Someone recently asked me what to do when you start losing your voice due to a cold, and as someone who can frequently get hoarse and loses her voice alot, I have many tips and tricks on how to bring your voice back strong!
1.) Hot Steam - MyPurMist face steamer is my go to because it is cordless and portable, but any face steamer will work! Visit your local drugstore and steam away! Hot showers are also great for opening up the sinuses! I recommend hanging some fresh eucalyptus on your shower head for the ultimate sinus cleanser.
2.) Throat Coat Tea- No stranger to vocalists, this yummy tea is available in multiple flavors, and is amazing for keeping that voice going! I like to mix some local honey into my tea for a little added flavor, plus honey is great for coating the vocal chords and helping inflammation!
3.) Cough Drops - Throat Coat also makes great cough drops! Any cough drop is great, but I suggest looking for some with no menthol, as that can dry you out even more.
4.) Straw Warm-Ups - Yall know I LOVE my straw, but did you know that phonating through a straw is also great for bringing a tired or hoarse voice back?! Doing some simple one-note phonating up from your lower to your upper register can help get your voice back!
I introduce you to the Voice Straw:
https://voicestraw.com/discount/ALYSSAFLOWERS
This amazing tool has really helped connect my voice this year. I have noticed I can work much more efficiently through the natural break in my voice with very little effort, my range has expanded, and my breath support has also improved! I also feel like this cuts my warm-up time in half - because it’s so effective! The best part is, you can warm up anywhere with this because it’s so quiet. No more hiding in the bathroom or a dark corner to work on that belt :D
The Voice Straw Package comes with FOUR different sized straws, a velvet travel bag, a cleaner, a wipe, and access to tons of straw warmup videos!
If interested in purchasing your own, use promo code: ALYSSAFLOWERS at checkout and save 10% off your order!
5.) Nebulizer - Vocal Mist makes an amazing travel nebulizer perfect for people who use their voices for a living! The saline solution comes through with cool air to soothe tired vocal chords, and is great to use right before or during a show!
6.) Humidifyer - This is especially great if you are performing in a dryer climate, but sleeping with a humidfyer next to you keeps the air moistened, so that when you wake up your chords are nice and moist! I have a travel size one and also a larger one.
7.) LOTS of liquids - Drink water water and more water - more than you think you need! Try to avoid coffee, caffeine or soda as these will dry you out. Avoid alcohol. (I know.)
8.) Resting your voice as much as possible. No whispering or talking at a loud volume. If you must speak, speak at your normal voice decibel.
9.) Avoid noisy places like bars or loud restaurants and concerts. If you must go, try to avoid talking loudly or try to sit in an area that is less-populated.
Taking care of your voice can seem pretty daunting, but it’s so worth it! Once these practices become habits, they become just another part of your daily routine and you will notice huge differences in your performance!
Want to chat more about vocal health and learn useful tips and tricks for vocal stamina, warm-ups, and more?
Reach out to NOSWEATREP.COM today!
XOXO,
Alyssa
No Sweat Rep Founder