Resting Your Voice

In regards to vocal health, it is quite important that you rest your voice after enduring times of high vocal strain, stress and pressure. Here’s why:

1) Singing on empty exponentially increases the risk of injuring your vocal cords. This is the absolute last thing you want to do when you have a passion for singing.

2) Our vocal cords stretch as we sing. Stretching them out too much (via singing for an extended period of time) causes them to become weak and fatigued. If you are wanting to sing in heavier tones, then it is even more crucial that you adequately rest your voice.

3) When we sing, our sinuses have a tendency to drain (at least in my case they do, and I here it is the same for many other people) as we progress through a practice or performance. As our sinuses drain, mucous begins to cover the vocal folds. This causes issues with properly connecting the voice. Singing in this state is one of the reasons we clear our throat, and clearing our throat is a pretty harsh remedy for the already delicate vocal cords. Do your vocal cords a favor and give them a rest!

4) Over practicing can negate newly learned muscle coordinations. I relate this idea to working out at the gym. If you do bench press 6 days a week, you are sure to begin building chest muscles. However, without proper rest, your chest muscles will never function at their prime. The same goes for your vocal cords.

As you can see, there are many things that can be harmful when the voice is not rested properly. One of the best ways to rest your vocal cords is to get a good night’s sleep. This is the body’s natural way of repairing any damaged parts, including your vocal cords. On days when your vocal cords have endured an increased amount of use, do your best to sleep for a full 7-8 hours that night.

Also, make sure to hydrate your body with plenty of water. This will keep your vocal cords moist and help them heal any damage they may have endured during a stressful practice or performance.

Rest your vocal cords to keep them healthy! Sing on my friends!

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Related posts:

1. When I Practice Singing Too Much, I…
2. Don’t Push Your Voice!