Introduction
As the temperature drops and winter settles in, it becomes a challenging season for singers whether they’re a part of a choir, rock band, or shower. The transition between a heated room and the cold socializing outdoors can affect your singing voice. For an aspiring singer, canceling a gig or tour show is usually not an option, so let’s take a look at some tips for keeping your voice healthy in winter with Artium Academy.
What exactly are vocal cords?
The vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are two triangular bands of tissue located at the tip of the windpipe. They are open while you are breathing, and they shut when you talk or sing, drawing tighter for higher sounds and remaining loose for lower ones. Your vocal cords should be soft, smooth, flexible, and free of irritation. If you want to know how to learn music then knowing what vocal cords is the first step.
Why vocal cords are important for your singing?
The vocal cords are like an instrument to a vocalist. You would not use your flute to play cricket, and you should not abuse your voice either. Healthy vocal cords allow you to use your whole vocal range and generate a rich, clean, tuneful voice. If you want to sound like your favorite artist, you must prioritize your vocal cords. Having a healthy vocal cord and voice is key, so you can enjoy singing for a lifetime.
Here are a couple of ways to keep your voice healthy in winters
As with other aspects of singing, proper technique and a few healthy habits may help you prevent most vocal problems. These are the five most fundamental and simple tips to remember so that your voice can thank you later:
- Stay well hydrated
We typically concentrate on hydration in hot weather, but dehydration can easily creep up on us in cold weather. Since the voice is generated by the vibration of vocal cords (or folds), their sensitive tissue is protected from damage by a coating of mucus. The body needs a lot of water to create this slippery material.
Did you know it can take 48-72 hours for your body to fully absorb water? It is not enough to drink before a performance; it is also necessary to stay hydrated throughout the day. Choose room temperature or warm water over hot or cold liquids that might irritate your throat, and avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol and coffee.
Along with this, drink at least 6-8 glasses of water every day to combat infection, remain supple, and stay hydrated.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
The days become shorter in the winter, allowing sleep habits to shift, unhealthy foods to slip in, and routines to fall apart.
It may not seem particularly disco funk, but living a healthy lifestyle is essential if you want to maintain your voice.
A balanced diet and moderate exercise will assist to keep your voice in good condition. Extra recuperation time may be precisely what you need to keep your immune system in tip-top shape.
- Don’t damage your throat
It’s tempting to get caught up in the moment when preparing or about to perform, but always warm up to minimize vocal strain. It’s important for anyone dealing with a winter illness to relax their voice as much as possible.
If necessary, wear a microphone during practice to reduce strain and to hear yourself so you wouldn’t overcompensate. It is critical to recognize your boundaries during rehearsals and never overextend yourself, especially if your voice is weary.
Practicing good habits and looking after yourself is critical during this season. If it hurts, simply don’t sing! Try to get enough sleep and rest.
- Breathe through your nose
This is the most crucial breathing habit a performer can develop, and winter is the ideal time to start. As humans, we are built to breathe via our noses. The nose adds humidity and warmth to the air as it reaches your throat and lungs. This gives the air a chance to warm and moisturize before hitting your lungs and larynx.
Breathing through your nose also helps improve your concentration and memory, so you’ll have an easier time recalling all those beautiful pieces you’ll be singing. Furthermore, the nose filters allergens, viruses, and bacteria in ways that the mouth cannot.
- Treat steam like your best friend
Steam is the most important tactic to rehydrate dry voice chords. When you drink a beverage, you moisturize your pharynx (the back of your mouth and throat) but not your vocal cords; the liquid must pass through your system before reaching your larynx, which takes around eight hours. When you inhale steam, you instantly introduce moisture to your cords.
Every performer’s toolset should include a personal steamer. Steaming for a few minutes twice a day will help keep your voice in great condition. Vocal cords are very delicate. Follow these cold-weather tips to help your singing voice perform at its best.
Here are some more blogs related to this topic that will help you get a better understanding in keeping your voice healthy.
Takeaway
If you want to take online classical music classes then join us at Artium Academy. Here you can book a free trial and experience your favorite course at a convenient time. We hope these tips help you in your vocal endeavors through the winter. Join our team now for a happy (and healthy) singing journey.
.webp)
.webp)
