8 Tips on How to Repair Your Voice
Did you push it too much in the gig last night? In rehearsal or practicing? Or did you maybe just yell a little too much at the game? Vocal repair is near and dear to my heart. As a younger singer, I had the tendency to push my voice too hard, especially while looking for grit. Eventually this issue laid the groundwork for finally being ready to learn how to sing and especially sing with edge without causing damage. You can only get away with so much for so long! Here are some tips I’ve compiled but also, if you struggle with losing your voice, please use the link below to sign up for lessons.
Sing from the diaphragm muscle. Do your shoulders immediately raise up with you breathe in? Singers that have this habit will find they lose their voice within minutes instead of hours. The belly should appear to inflate as you breathe in. This mechanism is the diaphragm muscle pushing down on the intestines and creating that bulge while creating improved space for the lungs to fill.
Warm-up and cool-down exercises. Before singing or speaking extensively, warm up your voice with gentle vocal exercises and stretches. This helps to prepare your vocal cords for use and reduces the risk of strain. Similarly, after vocal use, engage in cool-down exercises to relax and soothe your vocal cords. Don’t skip the cool down!!
Hydrate. Drink plenty of water to keep your vocal cords hydrated. Hydration helps to maintain the elasticity of the vocal cords and prevents dryness and irritation. Avoid excessive caffeine or alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body and vocal cords.
Humidify your environment. Dry air can irritate the vocal cords. Use a humidifier in your home or workspace to maintain a moist environment. This is especially beneficial during the winter months or in dry climates and its good for your guitars too.
Avoid throat clearing and coughing. Throat clearing and coughing can strain the vocal cords. Instead, try swallowing or sipping water to alleviate the urge to clear your throat. There is some vocal technique utilizing the false folds where we engage with a cough but this is all measured and gentle and not advised if your voice is already strained.
Avoid irritants. Avoid smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke, as they can irritate and damage the vocal cords. Additionally, minimize exposure to other irritants such as pollutants, allergens, and excessive air conditioning.
Rest your voice. This is my least favorite option but for some it is necessary. Ideally you should be able to vocalize without hurting yourself but while you’re learning losing and vocalize properly you may just need to rest! Give your voice a break by avoiding excessive talking or singing. Resting your voice allows your vocal cords to recover from strain or fatigue. Try to minimize situations that require you to speak loudly or for extended periods. It is important to not sing when you have laryngitis or to take crucial points of rest before heavy workloads but at the end of the day singing correctly lends itself to not needing rest. Working on technique will help you to not feel like you need the rest!
Seek professional help if needed. If your voice continues to feel tired or if you experience persistent vocal issues, it's advisable to consult a medical professional or a laryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist). They can evaluate your vocal health, provide specific guidance, and recommend additional treatments if necessary.
Prevention is everything! Be mindful of your vocal habits, practice good vocal hygiene, and listen to your body's signals. Taking care of your voice is essential for maintaining its health and longevity. Personalized tips can be found when you sign up for lessons sing the link below: