A song that feels easy in the late afternoon may seem heavier in the morning.

Notes that come freely in the evening may require more care earlier in the day.

For adult singers, this can be confusing, especially when progress seems inconsistent from one practice session to another.

In reality, this is entirely normal. The voice is not a fixed object that behaves identically from hour to hour.

It is part of the body, and like the body, it responds to sleep, energy levels, hydration, posture, hormones, environment, and use.

Understanding why your voice feels different in the morning and evening can help singers work with it more intelligently, rather than feeling frustrated by natural variation.

The Voice Is a Living Instrument

Unlike a piano or a violin, the singing voice cannot be taken out of a case in the same condition every day.

It is formed by muscles, breath, tissue, resonance spaces, and coordination.

All of these are affected by physical state and daily routine.

This means that your voice in the morning is not necessarily your voice at its most responsive.

Nor is your evening voice always your best voice.

Rather, each part of the day presents a slightly different physical context in which the instrument operates.

For singers, this is important to remember. A change in vocal feeling does not automatically mean a problem.

Very often, it simply reflects the body’s natural rhythm.

Why the Voice Can Feel Heavier in the Morning

Many people wake up with a voice that feels lower, thicker, slower to respond, or less flexible.

There are several reasons for this.During sleep, the voice has been resting for many hours.

Although rest is valuable, the vocal system has not yet been fully activated for speech or singing.

In addition, the body may be slightly dehydrated on waking, as several hours have passed without fluid intake.

This can affect the ease with which the voice begins to move. Posture and breathing can also play a role.

Early in the day, the body may feel less open, less energised, and not yet fully coordinated.

If the breath feels shallow or the posture collapses, the voice may seem less free than it does later on.

For some singers, morning mucus or mild swelling can also make the voice feel less clear at first.

This does not necessarily indicate illness. It can simply be part of the body’s normal process of waking up.

Why the Voice Often Feels Easier Later in the Day

By the afternoon or evening, many singers feel that the voice has become more flexible, more resonant, and easier to manage.

This is often because the body itself is more awake and coordinated.

You have usually been speaking, moving, breathing, and using your posture for hours by that point. The system is more active.

Breath support may feel steadier, physical tension may be easier to identify, and vocal folds may respond more readily once the body is fully functioning.

Mental readiness matters as well. Many adults are not immediately expressive first thing in the morning.

Later in the day, concentration, emotional connection, and responsiveness to music may all feel more accessible.

This can make the voice seem freer, even when the change is partly psychological as well as physical.

Why Some Singers Experience the Opposite

Not everyone sings best in the evening. Some people feel freshest earlier in the day and more fatigued later on.

A voice may become less reliable in the evening if the body is tired, if the person has spoken a great deal, or if stress has accumulated throughout the day.

This is why there is no universal “best time” to sing. What matters is learning how your own instrument behaves.

Some singers feel vocally centred in the late morning. Others find the afternoon ideal.

Some discover that early evening offers the best balance of energy and control.

Rather than assuming there is a correct time for everyone, it is far more useful to observe your own vocal patterns with honesty and curiosity.

Daily Factors That Influence Vocal Feeling

The difference between morning and evening is not caused by one thing alone.

Several factors often combine. Hydration is one of them.

A well-hydrated body generally supports easier vocal function, whereas dryness can make singing feel less comfortable and less responsive.

Sleep quality also has a strong effect. A poor night’s sleep can leave the body sluggish, tense, or less coordinated.

Stress is another major influence.

Even when it is not obvious, emotional pressure often appears in the jaw, shoulders, neck, breath, or tongue, all of which can affect the voice.

Food, caffeine, reflux, allergies, medication, room temperature, and how much you have already spoken during the day can also change the way the voice feels.

This is one reason singers benefit from thinking of vocal work as part of whole-body awareness rather than something isolated in the throat.

The Difference Between Feeling Different and Being Unhealthy

A voice that feels different is not always a voice that is in trouble.

Singers sometimes become anxious when the voice feels slightly thicker, less agile, or less brilliant than usual.

However, variation is part of normal vocal life.

The important question is whether the voice still functions healthily overall.

If the voice warms up sensibly, responds better after gentle use, and does not come with pain or persistent hoarseness, the difference may simply be part of its daily cycle.

On the other hand, if discomfort, strain, or significant loss of function continues over time, that deserves attention.

Healthy singers learn to distinguish between natural fluctuation and genuine warning signs.

That distinction brings both confidence and better judgement.

How to Work with Your Voice More Wisely

Rather than expecting the voice to behave identically at every hour, it is better to adjust your approach according to how it feels.

In the morning, a gentler start is often wise.

The voice may need time, space, and careful warming up before it feels fully available.

That is usually not the moment for pushing high, loud, or demanding material immediately.

Later in the day, when the voice feels more responsive, it may be easier to work on more expansive singing, repertoire, or technical challenges.

Even then, awareness still matters. A freer feeling does not mean unlimited stamina.

The most helpful singers are often the ones who listen well to their instrument.

They do not become fearful of variation, but neither do they ignore it. They respond intelligently.

Why This Matters for Adult Learners

Adult singers are often highly observant, which can be a strength. However, it can also lead to over-analysis.

If the voice feels different at different times of day, some adults assume that something is going wrong or that they are inconsistent by nature.

In truth, this awareness can become useful once it is guided properly.

The voice changes because the body changes. That does not mean you are regressing.

It means you are working with a human instrument that responds to real conditions.

Once adult students understand this, they often become calmer, more patient, and more effective in their practice.

They also begin to realise that vocal progress is not measured by identical daily sensation.

It is measured by growing skill, deeper awareness, and increasing ability to respond well under varying conditions.

Final Thoughts

If your voice feels different in the morning and evening, you are not imagining it.

The change is real, and in most cases it is entirely natural.

The voice reflects the condition of the body, and the body is never exactly the same from hour to hour.

For singers, the goal is not to eliminate all variation, but to understand it.

When you learn how your voice behaves across the day, you can warm up more intelligently, practise more effectively, and sing with greater confidence.

At the London Singing Institute, we help adult singers understand not only how to sing, but how to work with their individual voice in a thoughtful and informed way.

That kind of understanding often leads to more freedom, more consistency, and far greater enjoyment in the long term.

Not just a simple mechanism snuck away in the subconscious labyrinth of our brain, when brought to the main focus, breathing holds the answer to any of your “why can’t I sing that” or “why doesn’t this work” questions.

The “appoggio”, coming from the verb “appogiarsi” which means “to lean against” in Italian, is how we refer to the “support” of our voice in the music world.

Support does not just come from our breathing and our lungs, but our entire body.

It starts with our feet, our legs, our pelvic floor, the abdomen, our lower back and our ribs.

Like strong trees planted in the ground.

The Truth About Airflow and Phonation in Singing

A common misconception in singing is that to hit a note, whether high or low, you require more air.

This is false, you simply need to use your air more efficiently…

Air goes through the vocal folds to create phonation, but too much air can make the voice sound weaker or thinner.

The extreme of this is whispering- pretty much all air and no phonation.

Breathing in, of course, is important- but don’t misconstrue taking in more air with exasperation.

It’s the control of the release and the amount of pressure that is let out.

Think of a balloon. It has a lot of air, and the opening of the balloon represents the vocal chords. When you hold the balloon from the top and pull it open to let out a bit of air, it makes a pitch.

Depending on how far apart the lips of the balloon are, it changes the level of noise coming out, and if you open it completely, the air comes out all at once and makes no noise at all.

Correct Breathing Technique for Singers vs Shallow Breathing

First we have to talk about breathing correctly when it comes to singers.

What I see in a lot of my students is when I ask them to take deep breaths, I see them breathe high in their chests.

For example, their chests rise and their stomachs become smaller, creating tension in their shoulders and necks, which can make singing more difficult.

This type of breathing, shallow breathing, is common with athletes.

When training for a sport, especially a sport that requires plenty of running, people are trained to breathe in such a way that they can take in a lot of oxygen for it to be quickly released.

What singers do is the opposite, breath should be taken in low into the body so it can be held for longer- to sustain longer phrases.

To help my students find their lower breath, I ask them to lie on the ground and let their bodies breathe naturally.

The stomach rises with inhalation, and lowers with exhalation.

When we sing we should get used to our stomachs getting bigger, which is difficult when the societal expectation is for us to be as skinny as possible and to “suck it in”.

We have to be more comfortable with letting ourselves fully breathe and loosen the abdomen.

Finding Strength Through Breath, Posture, and Vocal Space

The next step is preparing ourselves to sing. After taking a nice deep breath, loosening the abdomen and feeling the ribs expand, we then find our strength.

• Feet should be shoulderwidth apart
• One foot slightly in front of the other.
• Knees not locked, but slightly bent.
• Spine straight with pelvis tucked in (no arching of the back)
• Neck aligned with your spine.
• As you sing, then engage your core.
• When standing in this position, if someone comes up to you while you are singing and tries to push you over, you won’t budge. This is what I mean when I say “singing strong”

With the initial inhale, I like to think of a “shocked” breath.

Imagine you were just told new information you had no clue about, the type of gasp you naturally take in creates a perfect space in your head and vocal passageway to sing comfortably.

Your larynx lowers and is relaxed. This, paired with standing in the right position, is the formula to have healthy support for singing.

If you aren’t sure what I mean, put your hand over your throat where your Adam’s apple is, and try to yawn.

You’ll feel that this part of your throat- the larynx- lowers. And in your mouth, the little dangly thing in the back of your throat (the uvula) will lift.

Now you’re ready to sing comfortably without pushing or straining.

Body Engagement Exercises to Strengthen Vocal Support

Here are some tips that I find really work to find more support in your body while singing:

Singing while planking.

I know this sounds really bizarre, but this is a great way to find strength in your core and also check in on your posture.

When an elbow plank is done the right way, the head, neck and spine are aligned, and the pelvis is tucked in.

You also find that you need to take deep and controlled breaths in order to maintain the position, and while you sing, you can feel the core working to get the notes out.

It is definitely difficult, and a workout, but it’s great training.

You can try this with some phrases in whatever song you’re working on. When you stand up to sing it again, you will sing the song much easier.

Wall sit

This is a great way to connect your mind with your body, and engage your legs!

When in the correct position for a wall sit, your back is flat on the wall with your head aligned- touching the wall, legs boxed out- as if you’re sitting on a chair.

Try singing some phrases you found difficult in the past, you’ll see how much easier it is.

Squatting as we sing

Do you have a note that just isn’t working? Try doing a slow low squat as you are singing the note, you’ll see that your body does all the work for you.

In Summary

As singers, it is easy to forget that singing is a sport. It’s a full body experience, it’s exercise.

We think a lot about what is going on in our throat, and forget to focus on our body and the strength it has.

When we let our body do the work, singing feels so much more natural and free.

Related Articles:

• Harmony in Body and Voice – The Alexander Technique Has Huge Benefits for Singers
• Vocal Health: Top Tips for Looking After Your Voice
• How to Sing Vibrato

When you sing, you use many muscles, throughout your body, not just your facial muscles, and they all need to be well-rested.

In addition, with a good night’s sleep, our memory works better, which is ideal for remembering lyrics, and we’re more calm and relaxed, which can help to combat nerves and stage fright.

You’ll also feel more energised, ready to put on a great performance.

So now we’re clear on how vital it is to get that all-important restorative sleep, let’s take a look at some tips to help you get the very best sleep night after night…

Create the Perfect Environment

Having a relaxing, comfortable bedroom can make all the difference to the quality of your sleep.

How is the temperature? You won’t sleep if you’re too hot or too cold.

Is the room completely dark? Light from streetlights or passing cars can prevent us from sleeping well.

If you’re disturbed by light from outside, you should consider blackout blinds or an eye mask.

This also works well if you don’t want to be woken up at the first light of day.

Or perhaps noise pollution is a problem.

If your neighbour slams his car door every morning at 4 am when he returns from working the night shift you might want to think about using earplugs or investing in a white noise machine.

Have a Set Bedtime

You may not have had a specific bedtime since childhood, but having a regular sleep pattern can really help you, particularly if you struggle to drop off to sleep.

When you have a routine, your body learns when it’s time to relax and unwind ready for sleep.

You’ll find getting to sleep becomes much easier when you go to bed at the same time on a regular basis.

Don’t Use Your Phone in Bed

When your mobile phone is by your bedside, it can be tempting to pick it up, just to check your emails or the weather forecast for the following day, only to then spend the next hour on Facebook or watching TikTok videos.

In addition, phones give out blue light, which fools your brain into thinking it’s morning.

To get the best night’s sleep, leave your phone outside the bedroom, and instead, read a book.

Reading is proven to be highly soporific, and you’ll soon find yourself feeling calm and sleepy.

Watch What You Eat and Drink Before Bed

If your body is digesting food, you’re less likely to be able to sleep, so try to avoid eating late.

Spicy food can also put your stomach into overdrive so for the best night’s sleep, stick to light meals before bedtime.

Caffeine is notorious for stopping us from getting to sleep, and it can stay in your system and affect your ability to sleep for many hours, so it’s wise to switch to decaffeinated drinks after noon.

Keep Hydrated, but Don’t Overdo It

When you think about it, a whole night is a long time to go without a drink and it’s no wonder we sometimes wake up feeling dehydrated.

Keep a glass of water by your bed so you can have some sips before you go to sleep, and it’s on hand should you wake up in the night feeling thirsty.

However, don’t be tempted to gulp down lots of water all at once, as that will only mean your sleep is further disturbed as you wake up needing to visit the toilet.

Don’t Lie There Tossing and Turning

When you can’t sleep, or you wake in the night and you just can’t back to sleep, it can be so frustrating.

The longer you lie there, the more annoyed you get, until you’re so infuriated there’s just no way you’re going to get back to sleep.

Don’t let your annoyance get to this stage.

If you find yourself awake, sit up, read a few pages of a book, or go and sit in another room for a little while.

This gives you a reset, and you can return to bed calmer, ready to go back to sleep.

Clear Your Mind

Do you have a busy mind? Is your brain overflowing with thoughts, ideas or worries when you’re trying to get to sleep?

This is a common problem, and a good way to deal with this is to write all your thoughts down.

Write down your ideas, get your worries out of your mind and onto paper, letting go of them for the night.

Listening to music or following a guided meditation can help to clear your mind ready for sleep.

As a vocalist, your voice is your instrument, and it deserves the same level of attention you’d give any other instrument.

Look after your voice, and you’ll always be able to give your best performance. Check out our top tips for maintaining excellent vocal health…

Don’t Neglect Your Warm-up Exercises

It only takes a few minutes to perform some vocal warm-up exercises, but when you’re eager to sing a particular song, it can be tempting to neglect the warm-up process.

However, warming up your voice properly really can make a difference to the quality of your voice, and it can also help protect your jaw muscles from becoming strained.

Drink Lots of Water

Perhaps the most important factor in good vocal health is hydration.

Dehydration can cause irritation to your vocal cords which will affect your performance and could result in longer lasting adverse effects.

So be sure to drink plenty of water as part of your daily routine.

Increasing your water intake has many health benefits, so it’s a great habit to get into in general.

Sipping water between songs when you’re performing will also help to lubricate your throat and stop it from feeling dry, particularly if you’re standing under hot stage lighting, so don’t forget to take a bottle on stage with you.

Quit the Bad Habits

Smoking can cause a wealth of health issues, several of which can impact your voice.

If you’re a smoker, quitting can be tough, but there are so many benefits to giving up.

You’ll have a healthier heart, a longer life, more energy, and a better singing voice! If you’re struggling to quit, help is out there.

Take a look at the NHS Quit Smoking website for practical advice and support.

Your voice can also be affected by caffeine and alcohol as they both cause dehydration, and an excess of alcohol may also adversely affect your ability to sing in tune!

So keep your consumption to a minimum, particularly before a performance.

Instead, you could opt for a cup of hydrating herbal tea. Consider camomile to relax your nerves, or peppermint to help you focus.

Avoid Dry Environments

Dry air can cause problems with your throat and vocal cords.

If your throat often feels dry and scratchy, or you find your breath is more laboured, it could be that the air around you is too dry.

This can be a common problem in our modern, highly insulated and well-heated homes.

Consider using a humidifier to add extra moisture into the air and make sure your home is well-ventilated so it doesn’t become too stuffy.

Don’t Overdo It or Push Your Limits Too Far

It can be tempting to practise pretty much continually before a big performance, or when you’re learning a new song, but it’s important not to overdo it.

Vocal strain is real and you certainly don’t want to lose your voice just before you’re due to perform!

So take regular rests, and don’t sing for hours on end.

If you’re feeling at all unwell, if your throat feels sore, you have a cough or your voice is hoarse, then take time out to rest and heal.

Pay close attention to how you feel and how you sound.

Look out for the warning signs and react quickly to protect your vocal health.

You should also be careful of pushing your limits too far.

Of course, it’s good to challenge yourself, to extend your range or experiment with a different vocal style, but if you’ve decided to start singing screaming heavy metal, you might just want to take it a little slowly.

Be kind to your voice!

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

A tired body and mind can lead to a tired voice.

When you get plenty of sleep you’ll be more energised, and more focused, and the quality of your voice will improve.

If you have trouble sleeping, make sure your room is conducive to a good night’s sleep, not too hot or cold, dark and quiet.

Try to avoid using your mobile phone late at night and consider learning some relaxing meditation techniques.

This is especially true for singers, from choirs to rock bands, and even those who sing in the shower. Looking after your singing voice isn’t too complicated—it’s about using common sense and knowing a few tips to keep your vocal cords healthy.

In this guide, we’ll cover the basics of how the voice works, spot signs of trouble, understand what causes voice issues, and learn how to keep your voice healthy for years to come.

What is the Voice?

The human voice is produced by the vibration of the vocal folds (also known as vocal cords), which are two bands of muscle tissue located in the larynx or voice box. When we speak or sing, air from the lungs is pushed through the vocal folds, causing them to vibrate and produce sound. The pitch and tone of our voice are determined by the size, shape, and tension of the vocal folds, as well as how we resonate the sound in our throat, mouth, and nasal passages.

How Do You Know When Your Voice is Not Healthy?

Recognising the early signs of vocal strain or damage is absolutely crucial for maintaining optimal vocal health. The voice is not just an instrument; it’s an integral part of communication, performance, and expression for many individuals. Whether you’re a singer, actor, teacher, or public speaker, your voice is an invaluable asset that requires care and attention.

Early detection of vocal strain or damage allows for prompt intervention, preventing further complications that could potentially impact your ability to communicate effectively or perform at your best. Here are some indicators to be mindful of:

1. Hoarseness or Raspy Voice

If you notice a sudden change in your voice quality characterised by hoarseness, raspiness, or roughness, it could be an early sign of vocal strain. This alteration in voice quality may occur after prolonged speaking or singing sessions, indicating that your vocal cords are fatigued and possibly overworked.

2. Sore Throat or Throat Discomfort

Persistent soreness or discomfort in the throat, particularly after speaking or singing, should not be ignored. It could signify inflammation or irritation of the vocal cords, which may result from excessive vocal exertion or improper vocal technique.

3. Difficulty or Pain While Speaking or Singing

If you experience pain or discomfort while speaking or singing, especially in the throat or neck region, it’s essential to pay attention. Vocal strain can manifest as discomfort or even sharp pain during vocalisation, indicating that your voice is under undue stress.

4. Decreased Vocal Range or Control

Noticeable changes in your vocal range or control, such as difficulty reaching certain pitches or maintaining consistency in your voice, may indicate underlying vocal issues. These changes could be indicative of vocal cord swelling or inflammation, affecting your ability to produce sound effectively.

5. Fatigue or Weakness in the Voice

Experiencing vocal fatigue or weakness, where your voice feels tired or strained even with minimal use, is a red flag for potential vocal strain. This sensation of vocal exhaustion suggests that your vocal mechanism is being pushed beyond its limits and requires rest and recovery.

6. Difficulty Projecting or Volume Loss

Struggling to project your voice or experiencing a decrease in volume output can be signs of vocal strain or damage. When the vocal cords are fatigued or inflamed, it becomes challenging to sustain adequate airflow for vocal projection, leading to diminished volume and projection capabilities.

7. Frequent Throat Clearing or Coughing

Persistent throat clearing or coughing can be reflex responses to irritation or inflammation of the vocal cords. While occasional clearing or coughing is normal, frequent or excessive occurrences may indicate an underlying issue that warrants attention.

Being vigilant about recognising these early signs of vocal strain or damage is paramount for maintaining vocal health. If you notice any of these indicators, it’s essential to rest your voice, practise proper vocal hygiene, and seek professional evaluation from a voice therapist or otolaryngologist to address any potential concerns promptly. Remember, proactive care is key to preserving your voice and ensuring its longevity and functionality for years to come.

If you experience any of these symptoms persistently, it’s advisable to consult a healthcare professional or a voice specialist to prevent further damage.

What Causes Voice Problems?

Voice problems can emerge from a multitude of factors, each affecting the vocal cords in unique ways. Understanding these causes is crucial for both prevention and treatment of voice issues. Below, we delve deeper into the common culprits behind vocal health challenges:

1. Overuse or Misuse

One of the most prevalent causes of voice issues is the overuse or misuse of the vocal cords. Activities such as excessive talking, yelling, or prolonged singing, particularly without employing correct vocal techniques, can significantly strain and damage the vocal folds. Professional voice users, like singers, teachers, and public speakers, are particularly at risk if they do not practise adequate vocal rest and proper technique.

2. Dehydration

Adequate hydration is vital for the health of the vocal folds, which require a thin layer of mucus to function optimally. Dehydration can lead to dry, irritated, and thickened mucus on the vocal folds, making voice production more difficult and increasing the risk of injury. Factors contributing to dehydration include not drinking enough water, consuming diuretics like caffeine and alcohol, and staying in environments with low humidity.

3. Infections

Viral infections, such as the common cold, flu, and laryngitis, can cause inflammation and swelling of the vocal folds, temporarily affecting the voice. Bacterial infections, though less common, can also impact vocal health. These infections can lead to hoarseness, a reduction in vocal range, and, in severe cases, voice loss.

4. Vocal Nodules, Polyps, and Cysts

Chronic vocal misuse or overuse can lead to the development of vocal nodules or polyps, which are small, benign growths on the vocal folds. Nodules are typically hard and arise from prolonged vocal abuse, while polyps are softer and may occur after a single episode of vocal strain. Cysts, on the other hand, are fluid-filled sacs that can form within the vocal folds, potentially leading to significant voice disturbances.

For more in-depth information, please refer to the following sources:

• Penn Medicine: Vocal Cord Lesions
• UT Southwestern Medical Center: Vocal Cord Nodules, Polyps, and Cysts
• Duke Health: Vocal Nodules

Exploring these references will offer a thorough understanding of vocal cord lesions, encompassing their origins, symptoms, and available treatment alternatives.

5. Smoking

Smoking tobacco not only harms the lungs but also has a direct, detrimental effect on the vocal cords. It can lead to chronic inflammation, increased mucus production, and a higher risk of developing growths such as polyps or cancer on the vocal folds. The irritants in smoke dry out and thicken the vocal fold mucosa, leading to a hoarse voice and reduced vocal range.

6. Allergies and Reflux

Allergic reactions and acid reflux can have adverse effects on vocal health. Allergies may induce postnasal drip and throat irritation, prompting frequent throat clearing, a habit that, in itself, can be detrimental to the vocal folds. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) amplifies the risk further, as it involves the regurgitation of stomach acids into the esophagus, occasionally reaching the larynx. This process causes irritation and inflammation of the vocal folds, potentially resulting in symptoms like hoarseness and a persistent cough.

References for further reading on Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD):

• Mayo Clinic: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Cleveland Clinic: Acid Reflux (GERD)
• WebMD: Reflux Disease (GERD)

Exploring these references can provide additional insights into Gastroesophageal reflux disease, its symptoms, causes, and potential treatments.

7. Environmental Factors

Exposure to pollutants, chemicals, dust, and excessively dry air can irritate the throat and vocal cords, leading to temporary or chronic voice problems. Individuals in certain occupations, like construction or chemical processing, may be particularly susceptible to such environmental hazards. Maintaining clean, humidified air and wearing protective gear when necessary can help mitigate these risks.

8. Hormonal Changes

Hormonal fluctuations, such as those occurring during puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, can also affect the voice. These changes may lead to alterations in the vocal fold mass and tension, affecting vocal pitch, strength, and endurance.

9. Psychological Stress

Emotional stress and tension can manifest physically in the muscles around the larynx, leading to voice strain and fatigue. Stress management techniques and relaxation exercises can be beneficial for those experiencing voice problems related to psychological factors.

Understanding these causes is the first step towards preventing voice problems. Regular hydration, proper vocal technique, avoiding irritants, and seeking medical advice when necessary are all critical components of maintaining optimal vocal health.

How to Keep Your Voice Healthy

Maintaining vocal health is crucial for anyone who relies on their voice for professional or personal reasons. Here are comprehensive strategies to ensure your voice remains in top condition:

1. Hydration is Key

Adequate hydration is vital for maintaining the lubrication of the vocal cords. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water daily. Reduce the intake of caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate your body and, consequently, your vocal cords. Remember, hydrated vocal folds vibrate more efficiently and are less prone to irritation.

2. Mind Your Diet

A well-balanced diet supports overall health and, by extension, vocal health. Foods rich in anti-inflammatory properties, such as ginger, turmeric, and honey, can soothe the vocal cords. Additionally, foods high in vitamins A, E, and C support mucous membrane health. Avoid spicy foods if you’re prone to acid reflux, as this can lead to irritation and damage to your vocal folds.

3. Practise Good Vocal Hygiene

Avoid smoking altogether, as it significantly increases the risk of vocal cord irritation and cancer. Limit exposure to environmental irritants such as dust, chemical fumes, and excessive pollen. Use a humidifier in dry environments to maintain optimal humidity levels, keeping your vocal cords moist.

4. Warm Up Before Using Your Voice

Just as athletes warm up before a sport, vocalists should engage in gentle vocal exercises before extensive use. Simple humming, lip trills, and scales can prepare your vocal cords for the work ahead, reducing the risk of strain.

5. Proper Breathing Techniques

Mastering diaphragmatic breathing is essential for voice control and to prevent strain. This technique involves breathing deeply into the belly rather than the chest, providing a stronger and more supported voice. Regular practise can improve your voice’s endurance and quality.

6. Give Your Voice Adequate Rest

Voice rest is as important as vocal exercise. After long periods of speaking or singing, ensure you give your voice time to recover by minimising vocal use. This can prevent long-term damage and strain.

7. Maintain a Good Posture

Good posture is crucial for effective voice production. Standing or sitting with your back straight and shoulders relaxed allows for optimal lung capacity and efficient breath support, making it easier to speak or sing without strain.

8. Limit Vocal Strain

Avoid yelling or talking loudly over noise, as this can quickly strain your vocal cords. Use a microphone when addressing large groups, and be mindful of your vocal volume during conversations in noisy environments.

9. Seek Professional Advice

If you use your voice professionally, consider working with a vocal coach to learn proper techniques for singing or speaking. Regular check-ups with an ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist or a speech-language pathologist can also help catch any potential issues early.

10. Mindful Medication Use

Some medications, including certain antihistamines and decongestants, can dry out the vocal cords. If you’re taking medication regularly, consult with your healthcare provider about its potential impact on your voice and explore alternatives if necessary.

11. Emotional Wellness

Stress and anxiety can tense up the muscles around your voice box, affecting your voice. Practises such as meditation, yoga, and regular exercise can help manage stress levels, positively impacting your vocal health.

12. Avoid Whispering

Contrary to popular belief, whispering can strain your vocal cords more than normal speaking. If you need to rest your voice, try to speak softly rather than whisper.

By integrating these practises into your daily routine, you can significantly reduce the risk of voice problems and ensure your vocal cords remain healthy and strong for years to come.

Summary

Caring for your voice is a holistic endeavour that encompasses lifestyle choices, dietary habits, and regular vocal practises.

By understanding the nature of the voice, recognising the signs of potential problems, and applying effective maintenance strategies, you can ensure the health and longevity of your voice.

Remember, your voice is a unique instrument that deserves careful and considerate treatment.

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Here are some top tips to help you sing your best even if you’re not feeling it.

Don’t Try and Sing if Your Cold is Chesty

If you feel your cold moving to your chest, you won’t be able to get enough power from your lungs to sing your very best. In this case, you’ll need to cancel or rearrange your performance – you just won’t be able to give the show that the audience deserves. And you don’t want to suffer a coughing fit halfway through a song either!

If, however, your cold is firmly in your head, you stand a chance of belting out a good few notes without being left breathless. The trick is to practise light vocalising. You’ll want the phlegm to bounce off your voice box. When warming up, start as high-pitched as you can and work your way down the scales to get to the low notes. Make sure to warm up fully before you start to sing properly – your poorly voice will thank you. During your performance, try to sing an octave lower for your best voice.

Avoid the Most Challenging Notes

If you’ve been working hard on your top notes, it can be frustrating to think you might not be able to reach them when it really counts. But it’s not worth straining your voice or hitting a bum note. Think about how you can adapt your songs to better suit your limited ability.

Look After Yourself

The normal rules of looking after yourself when you have a cold apply. Get plenty of sleep, eat well and stay hydrated. Keep washing your hands for the best hope of getting rid of your virus faster.

Other things you can do include:

• Nasal irrigation: Have you ever heard of a neti pot? These small teapot-shaped devices come with special salt that you add to the pot, along with hot water. You then use this mixture to clean out your nasal passage. This is something you should be doing regularly as a good hygiene practice, but it is especially useful to help flush out a cold.
• Facial steam: Fill a bowl with boiling water and lean over it so that you can inhale the steam. This is the only way to really clear out the vocal cords so they are phlegm-free for your performance.
• Medicate with zinc: Zinc has proven benefits when it comes to dealing with colds. Keep your body’s zinc reserves topped up with a zinc supplement that will help fight off that nasty cold. Vitamin C is another vitamin you might want to stock up on to help strengthen your immune system.
• Only sing when absolutely necessary: If you have to sing with a cold, make sure you rest your voice as much as possible the rest of the time to avoid straining your vocal cords.

Avoid Decongestants

Sound counterproductive? The problem with these kinds of medication is that they completely rid your vocal cords of any kind of mucus, but you need a little bit to lubricate your voice. Mucus is almost always present in your throat, but when you have a cold, you produce extra, which is where the problem lies. If you take a decongestant, you risk completely drying out your vocal cords, which will make singing difficult at best and painful at worst.

Other medicines you might turn to include throat sprays, which provide targeted pain relief. Again, these can be problematic because they don’t deal with the issue. If you can’t feel the pain, you risk straining your voice. And any medicines with alcohol should be avoided too, as, like decongestants, these can dry out your throat.

If you feel the need to take something, stick with paracetamol.

Take Professional Advice

We’re not talking doctors here. A good vocal coach will be able to talk you through your best options if you are struggling to sing at an important event. They can give you effective warm-up techniques and listen for areas where you might struggle in your performance songs.

Getting a vocal coach is the best thing you can do for your voice, whether you sing professionally or for fun. At the London Singing Institute, we have experienced coaches who know just how to navigate every potential performance issue. Get in touch to book your first singing lesson!

What causes a strained voice?

There are many reasons why you might strain your voice. For beginner singers, it might just be a case of pushing your vocal abilities too far. But minor illnesses, like the common cold, can also affect your voice, as can smoking. Perhaps you’ve spent a few hours cheering on a sports team. These things can affect even the most seasoned singers, so it is important to be aware of these things and avoid them if possible.

How do you know if your voice is strained?

Most of the time, vocal issues sort themselves out pretty quickly after a few days’ rest, and in this case, it’s not really something to worry about too much. But if you’ve been experiencing hoarseness for over two weeks, or your voice just sounds different to you, you may have strained it.

Sometimes, your voice might feel tired. Just like any other muscle that begins to ache after repeated use, your vocal cords can get fatigued, and this is another sign of voice strain. If it really hurts to talk, it is time to take restorative action for your strained voice.

How can you soothe your strained vocal cords?

The most effective way to heal your voice is with lots of rest and hydration. There are a few other things experts recommend:

1. Be Quiet

Try to talk as little as possible to give your vocal cords a chance to heal themselves. Remember, whispering actually puts more strain on your vocal cords than talking normally, so don’t think that is an appropriate substitute!

2. Hydrate

Hydration should always be in the form of water or low-sugar drinks. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and high-sugar drinks, which will slow your recovery.

3. Sleep

Lots of sleep is great for promoting healing. Aim for at least seven hours a night for best results.

4. Gargle

Some singers like to make a healing liquid that they can gargle with. A great recipe is 250ml hot water with two tablespoons of honey and a few drops of healing herbs like cayenne pepper, sage, or turmeric. Gargle around three times for twenty seconds every two to three hours, with the most important sessions being right before bed.

5. Steam Inhalation

Another option is steam inhalation. Simply fill a bowl with boiling water, add a few drops of herbal extract like chamomile, thyme, or peppermint, and drape a towel over your head as you lean over. Inhaling this healing mixture will help soothe those injured cords.

6. See a Doctor

In more severe cases, you might have to visit a doctor who can prescribe vocal therapy, antibiotics, and/or cough medicine. They may also suggest injecting your vocal cords with collagen. If your vocal strain has led to nodules, you may need surgery to remove these.

How can you prevent your voice from becoming strained again?

The best way to stop yourself from straining your voice is to really take care of it. Luckily, you look after your voice in a similar way to the rest of your body. Drink plenty of water, eat healthily, and exercise regularly. You can also use a humidifier in your room to prevent your throat from drying out and limit the amount of caffeine and alcohol you consume.

Smoking is a big no-no, and spicy foods can irritate the vocal folds. It’s a good idea to avoid chemical mouthwashes and gargles, as these can irritate the vocal cords and also mask underlying problems that you might need to get a doctor’s advice on.

And finally, rest your voice as much as possible. Avoid excessive whispering and shouting to reduce strain.

Need any more tips and advice like this? Get yourself a vocal coach! They will be able to give you more guidance specific to your circumstances that can help improve your singing. We’d love to hear from you at the London Singing Institute, so get in touch and let’s put you on the path to singing success!

Warm Up!

Professional athletes always warm up their bodies to prevent injury or strain. Your warmup, as a vocalist, is an important part of your singing routine and must be included whether you are practicing or performing. This is a great way to assess your vocal health too – sometimes, you might notice slight changes in your vocal range or delivery and that’s totally fine. You can use that information to structure the rest of your session.

Warming up will not only help to prevent damage to your vocal cords. It’ll also help you perform at your best by waking up your full range, properly engaging all the body parts we use to produce sound.

Reduce Alcohol And Caffeine Consumption

Frequently consuming alcohol and caffeine can dry up your vocal cords, making them more vulnerable to straining and injury. Now, we are not saying you should avoid nights out with your friends or your morning cup of java. Just be mindful how this will affect your body and pay extra attention to how much water you drink throughout the day, especially, after a heavy night out. This will help to keep your vocal cords nice and supple.

Avoid Straining

Maintaining optimum vocal health is closely tied to our vocal technique. That is why it’s so important to engage our diaphragm and proper breathing techniques. This will prevent ‘singing from your throat’, which can be harmful and damaging to your voice long term. Without proper support, singing can feel much like shouting and have similar negative effects.

Look After Your Body

Your body is your instrument, so keeping it healthy will allow your voice to thrive! Eating a wholesome, nourishing diet, getting plenty of sleep will give you the stamina and energy required for achieving your vocal goals. Adding some exercise into your daily routine will also improve your breathing, which is crucial for a powerful, strong voice.

Learn The Proper Singing Techniques

All professional vocalists have received coaching at one point or another, if not regularly. This is because we need to know the proper vocal techniques to maintain our vocal health. It becomes especially crucial if you are performing and recording regularly, for long periods of time and your voice needs to keep up with a busy schedule. So don’t neglect proper vocal training if you are looking to sustainably maintain and improve your voice for years to come!

If It Hurts, Stop!

Always listen to your body! Don’t keep pushing if you feel pain or pinching in the back of your throat. If singing feels strained, pay attention to when and why this might be happening – are you running out of breath or struggling to support your voice? Is this an uncomfortable range for your voice? Maybe you’re dehydrated, haven’t slept well or are simply a little tired? All these factors will affect your sound, so pay attention to them and don’t keep pushing if you feel pain or discomfort.

Quit Smoking

This goes without saying – smoking is extremely harmful, not just for your vocal cords, but also your overall health. Speak to your doctor on ways they can help you quit smoking for good. Your voice will thank you!

Take Breaks

Constant talking, singing, and generally overusing your voice can be very tiring and even lead to vocal damage. Make sure you take plenty of breaks and ‘vocal naps’ – this means avoiding talking or singing for a period of time. This is especially important for touring and gigging musicians. Give your voice the time it needs to rest and recover.

Drink Plenty Of Water

Just like reducing alcohol and caffeine intake will keep your vocal cords hydrated, making sure you drink plenty of fluids throughout the day is crucial for optimum vocal health! Always have a bottle of water with you when you are practicing or performing and keep sipping on water or herbal teas throughout the day.

Avoid Clearing Your Throat

Frequently clearing your throat and coughing causes excess wear and tear, which leads to vocal damage. Instead, try sipping some water or having lozenges to help clear your throat. If you have a cold, flu or cough, you may want to avoid singing altogether to give yourself the proper time to recover and avoid putting unnecessary pressure on your body.

How Do You Know If Your Vocal Health Might Be At Risk?

Breathiness, hoarseness and pain can all indicate some vocal damage and are usually signs that you need to rest your voice. If these signs are ignored, you may struggle with your pitch, projection and, if you carry on straining, you could temporarily lose your voice. Most of the time, these symptoms can be relieved by taking some time to rest and recover. However, if you notice they are prolonged and vocal damage is starting to affect your pitch, tone and range, always consult with a specialist who can examine you and determine if treatment is necessary. The quicker you can spot signs of vocal damage and take the required action, the better.

Why Is It So Important To Look After Your Vocal Health?

For singers, our bodies are our instruments – so naturally, how well you look after your physical health will have a direct effect on your performance. A healthy diet, regular exercise, proper sleep and staying hydrated will improve your stamina, endurance and get you off to a great start to nail your singing lesson or your next gig. Furthermore, vocal cords, which are the soft tissue folds in your windpipe can be easily damaged with improper technique, wear and tear and dehydration. Look after them by following the above tips and watch your voice sustainably thrive and improve!

Learn World-Class Singing Techniques For Improved Vocal Health

At London Singing Institute, we specialise in providing adult singing lessons in an encouraging, motivating environment. Our experienced vocal coaches will help you tap into your unique voice, teaching you the techniques used by world-class professionals to keep your voice healthy and powerful for years to come. Contact us today to enquire about our singing courses in pop, musical theatre, classical, jazz, blues and rock!