Taking Care of Your Voice During the Winter Months

Taking care of your voice during the harsher winter months is essential to ensure your voice remains healthy and in top shape. Cold and dry winter air can have a negative impact on your vocal cords, leading to dryness, irritation, and can even cause vocal strain if not properly cared for. Here are some tips to help you protect your voice during the winter season. Year round warm-weather folks can still pick up a thing or two here…

1. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is always crucial for maintaining vocal health, but especially during the winter when the air tends to be drier. Hydrating your body will help keep your vocal cords moist and prevent them from becoming dry and irritated. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water every day (ladies, grab that extra roll of toilet paper at the market.)

2. Use a humidifier: Adding moisture to the air in your home or recording space can significantly benefit your vocal cords. Consider using a humidifier to increase humidity levels, especially when the air is excessively dry. This will help prevent your vocal cords from drying out and becoming strained. It may also give a freezing Minnesotan the cozy delusion that they are a sun-soaked Californian luxuriating in its balmy temp.

3. Warm up your voice: Before singing or speaking extensively, always make sure to warm up your voice. This is particularly important during winter when your vocal cords may be more susceptible to strain. Engage in gentle vocal exercises to warm your voice and prepare it for optimal performance. Quietly say, and then slowly add more volume to,”Damn it’s cold out here!”

4. Avoid excessive throat clearing: While it may be tempting to clear your throat when you feel a tickle or irritation, it can damage your vocal cords. Try to resist the urge and instead opt for a sip of water to help soothe your throat. (Plus, water gives hydration, so you’re hitting multiple goals at once!)

5. Dress warmly: Dressing appropriately for the weather is essential for your overall well-being and vocal health. Protecting your neck and chest with scarves or turtlenecks can help keep your vocal area warm and minimize the risk of straining your voice. Luckily, turtle necks, unlike bell bottoms, are always in fashion. Thanks Steve Jobs.

6. Limit exposure to irritants: Winter is often associated with indoor heating systems, which can dry out the air and expose you to irritants. Avoid excessive exposure to smoke, dust, and other airborne pollutants, as they can irritate your vocal cords. If necessary, use air purifiers to improve air quality in your surroundings. If someone is smoking at your work x-mas party, thank them for blowing smoke out of the side of their mouth and not directly into your face. Happy Holidays!

7. Rest and take breaks: Resting your voice is crucial in maintaining vocal health. During the winter months, when your voice may be more vulnerable, make sure to allow for adequate rest and take breaks when needed. This will help prevent vocal fatigue and ensure your voice stays strong throughout the season. I know it can be hard to hold back vocally at times, especially with all the cheery hootin’ and hollerin’ of the holidays. It’s all about balance my friends.

By following these tips, you can protect your voice during the harsher winter months and maintain optimal vocal health. Remember, your voice is a precious instrument, so take the necessary steps to care for it and enjoy singing or speaking with confidence all year round.

We welcome you to join us for an introductory Voice Over class HERE