So You Want to Stay Healthy?

Even if you've only dabbled in singing, you understand how frustrating it is to catch even a minor cold. The runny nose, itchy throat, and ever-flowing river of mucus down the back of your throat are exhausting, to say the least. But what if you had ways to counteract these symptoms from even happening in the first place?

Over the years, I have gradually developed habits that have greatly diminished my chances of getting sick. It's to the point where I only have a minor cold perhaps 1-2 times a year if any! So what do I do on a daily basis that keeps those pesky germs away?

Humidifier Treatments

One of the best ways to keep your vocal folds happy is by taking them to the spa. No, not literally, but a humidifier will sure make them feel like they've been to one! There are many types of humidifiers to buy, but I really recommend MyPurMist. These humidifiers go right over your nose and mouth, and you can even buy a strap so you don't have to hold it yourself! I tend to do a humidifier treatment while watching Netflix, or any other time I'm just sitting down with nothing else to do! And if you're really struggling with gunky mucus, try mixing a humidifier treatment with Flonase. It does wonders for me!

Throat Coat Tea

There's nothing better to do for your vocal folds in the morning than by having a nice warm cup of throat coat tea. I also put a spoonful of honey and a dab of elderberry extract in my tea for more health benefits. If you really want to feel like you're making a potion, as I like to do, you can add the raspberry flavor of Emergen-C and watch the small volcano take place in your cup! Not only will it add to the flavor, but you will get a large does of vitamin C.

Don't Dismiss Water!

Of course, don't ever dismiss the healthy benefits of water as a singer. You should make sure to stay well hydrated throughout the day. Along with this, try to avoid beverages that may get in the way of your singing. This involves milk, carbonated drinks, caffeine, and alcohol. You don't have to entirely miss out on these drinks as a singer, but make sure not to drink them before singing for an audition! There are some singers who won't drink alcohol for a whole month before they sing! Personally, I enjoy a different array of drinks to keep it interesting and fun. Every day I will usually have sweet non-caffeinated tea, water with Liquid IV Hydration Powder, and V-8 juice (especially the berry blend!).

Sleeping for Success

Just like with water, sleeping is something that is wonderful for both your health and voice. For me, I try to sleep around 8 hours a night or more if I can. Depending on the person, you may need more or less than me. But you still want to be rested! This gives your vocal folds ample time to rest and be ready to sing again the next day! So, try as hard as you can to avoid all-nighters!

Dress Accordingly!

As we all know, the wintertime is notorious for the spreading of germs and bacteria. Your vocal folds and sinuses will tend to be drier during this time, so make sure to do more humidifier treatments during this time! Another way to stay healthy during this freezing time is to bundle up well when going outside. I personally have a huge red scarf for my next that I like to call my "instrument case," and I haven't gone one winter without it. I think I've had it for about 4 years now!

Wait... Singers Exercise Too?

It's not over till the fat lady sings, right? Well, it may come as a surprise to you that exercising is a huge benefit to singers in many ways. Not only is it good to be healthy physically, but it will help with your stamina on stage, especially now that we are moving into more movement-oriented staging in the modern-day. Opera is not a park and bark platform anymore! Plus, it will help you not sweat as much under those hot stage lights! We don't want to lose all our makeup by the end of act I! I recommend focusing the most on cardio exercises while having some strength in there as well. Also, a balanced diet will help you with your fitness goals! I personally enjoy 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day, and will go between cardio and strength training.

In Conclusion...

Overall, there are many things you can do to stay healthy as a singer. Thankfully, most of these things are general healthy things you should practice as a person! So, get out there and exercise, do a humidifier treatment, and go to bed early!