In the Height of FALL, how do you take care of your singing voice and yourself?

Allergies (UGH!), Stress (How am I going to find time to study?), and Lack of Sleep start to catch up with us this time of year.  Fall activities are in full swing right now and you are feeling the pressures of all of the aspects of life.  The leaves are falling making your allergies act up.  We have less daylight hours, so we want to start to hibernate and be less active. We are stressed about tests and getting things done.  What are the most important things that you can do right now to take care of YOURSELF and YOUR SINGING VOICE?

10 Top Things to Take Care of Yourself and Your Singing Voice 

1.       Good Hygiene- Wash your hands and don't touch your face

2.       Drink 8-10 glasses of water (or non-caffeinated beverage) a day

3.      SLEEP  at least 8 hours every night!

4.       Exercise 3-5 times a week to keep up your immune system 

5.       Reduce Medicines - Use nasal saline spray first, medicines last

6.       Sing Well - good posture, breath support, and sing in correct range       

7.       Speak Well - Support your speech as if you are singing, minimize talking, don’t

          yell over loud noise!

8.       Practice Everything in Moderation (Singing and Speaking and Activity Level)

9.       Pay attention to your body signals.  If it doesn't feel good, don't do it!  

10.   Find time for a little relaxation and de-stressing time!

     Your body knows what it is saying.  If you take care of it and listen to it, you can make it through the allergies and stress and not get sick thus preserving your wonderful singing voice!  Keep singing!