WELLBEING — Caring for your Voice
Caring for Your Voice
Your voice is one of your most valuable instruments, and like any instrument, it needs care to last the distance. Many young performers push too hard without realising the long-term impact – which can lead to strain, fatigue, or even nodules.
1. Warm Up & Cool Down
Just like dancers stretch their muscles, singers and actors need to warm up their voices before use and cool down afterwards. Gentle humming, lip trills and sirens are safe, effective tools.
2. Avoid the Common Pitfalls
Overuse: Long rehearsals, constant talking, and shouting (including in social settings like sport matches or noisy parties) wear the voice out quickly.
Bad habits: Whispering, coughing too hard, or “pushing” for volume can cause strain.
Poor lifestyle choices: Lack of hydration, late nights and excessive caffeine can all dry and tire the vocal folds.
3. Build Vocal Endurance Safely
Think of your voice like an athlete’s muscle: it develops stamina over time, not overnight. Work with your vocal coach to increase singing time gradually, take vocal rests during the day, and listen to your body when it feels tired.
4. Steamers & Nebulisers
Hydration isn’t only about drinking water – your vocal folds benefit from direct moisture too.
Steamers: A simple steamer (or even a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head) helps soothe and hydrate the vocal folds after heavy use.
Nebulisers: A portable nebuliser delivers a fine mist of saline solution directly to the vocal folds. Many professionals use these for targeted hydration, especially during intense rehearsal or performance seasons.
Both are safe, drug-free options to add to your vocal care routine, but they are not a replacement for rest and healthy technique.
5. Be Careful with Lozenges and Soothers
Throat lozenges, sprays or “soothers” can sometimes numb discomfort, making you feel like your voice is fine when it’s not. This can trick you into continuing to sing or speak on an already injured or fatigued voice, which may cause further damage.
Avoid medicated or numbing lozenges unless directed by a doctor.
If you use lozenges, stick to simple ones (like honey- or glycerine-based) that moisturise rather than mask pain.
Remember: pain or hoarseness is your body’s signal to rest – not something to be covered up.
6. Prevent Injury & Nodules
Stay hydrated (water is your best friend).
Use mic technique or projection training to avoid shouting.
Prioritise rest – vocal folds need downtime just like any other part of the body.
Seek professional help early if you feel pain, hoarseness, or lose range – don’t push through.