How To Put Your Voice FIRST
I've had quite a few questions come in this winter about how to take care of your voice when you are feeling under the weather.
My coach taught me something priceless many years ago during a period of time when I kept getting sick, and it changed my life!
Here it is:
SELF CARE IS #1!
Being the go-getters we are, it can be tough to know when to stop or say no, even in the name of love!
I love singing, dancing in the rain, popping champagne and working my tail off! And there is nothing that I love more than helping others, but sometimes I have to put it all aside and gracefully bow out of my crazy superhero plans!
The best advice I can give you for a lifetime of healthy singing is to put your needs first!
If you eat well, sleep well and exercise everyday, the odds that you will catch a cold that could affect your voice in the first place are slim.
If you start feeling a cold come on, take a moment to check in with yourself to see what you need to feel better in that moment. Your power is in staying positive and making good choices in the moment. When you do this, you will be in control of your health!
My go-to faves when my voice needs a little self care are:
Stay hydrated and drink plenty of room temperature water
Try warm water w/chopped ginger & squeezed lemon, or Traditional Medicinals' Throat Coat tea
Keep your diet light, with plenty of green smoothies
Protect your neck and chest with a large scarf
Get tons of rest: your body goes into super-healing mode only when you are asleep
Breath directly over a small portable steam inhaler for 10-15 minutes, several times a day
And if your voice is in any pain at all--go on vocal rest, meaning no singing or talking!