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Singers are unique in that, unlike instrumentalists, they have their instrument inside them and there is nothing external to 'play'. This can be both an advantage and a disadvantage! An advantage in that we do not have to carry around anything extra when travelling (many larger instruments require an extra seat on aircraft) but a disadvantage in that if we are feeling unwell, unhappy and stressed, it very directly affects the quality of our instrument. The human voice is, I think, the most directly expressive of all instruments because there is no external medium through which we express ourselves and the meaning of the music. However, because of the fragility of the human voice, we need to make sure it is in as good a condition as possible. Here are some ideas for keeping your voice in good shape:
1) Eat a balanced diet, including lots of fruit and vegetables. This will improve your body's capability to fight off illness.
2) Take regular exercise. Running, squash, golf, even a walk in the park. Excercise, as well as being enjoyable, is a great stress buster and will leave you in a more relaxed state for singing.
3)Steaming. Either with steam mask or the old fashioned way of a bowl of boiling water and a towel over your head, breathing through your nose for 15 minutes. Do this regularly when you can feel a cold coming on and it will help to keep your vocal passages unblocked.
4)Avoid sudden changes of temperature, for example going from a warm house with wet hair into a cold street. This will increase your risk of catching colds. Breath through your nose when it is cold outside as the nasal hairs warm the air before it enters your lungs. Avoid air conditioning as much as possible as the air is recycled and contains more germs.
5) Supplements. Some singers swear by herbal products such as echinacea to ward off colds. Vitamin supplements can also be effective. Remember that these products may also have a placebo effect: if you think taking these products will reduce your likelihood of falling ill, your positive mindset may help you succumbing to things such as seasonal viruses.
6) A positive mindset. The mind and the body are inextricably linked and in the same way that the effects of a hangover are reduced if you are full of the joys of spring, a positive outlook will help minimise the effects of a cold or illness. It is perfectly possible to still sing well with a cold or sore throat as long as you have a solid singing technique.
Best of luck with your singing and keeping well!
