Archive for February, 2011
You always want to sing your best and that is why vocal health is so important. Many things can affect the quality of your singing voice. It is a good idea to learn how to recognize potential problems so you can limit the chance for trouble when it comes time for you to sing. Here are a few common things to keep in mind when it comes to your vocal health:
The effect of alcoholic beverages
Alcohol is not good for your vocal cords because it causes the blood vessels in them to dilate. When the vessels in your vocal cords dilate, the blood comes closer to the surface and this makes them more susceptible to hemorrhaging while you are singing. Do not drink alcohol on days when you will be singing, either performing or practicing, and on the days when you do drink alcoholic beverages, drink lots of water to counteract alcohol’s dehydrating effects.
Cigarette smoke affects your voice
The smoke often causes inflammation of the tissues in the throat and that makes it more difficult to sing. Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke. It is best to avoid cigarette smoke for several days before you have a singing lesson or give a performance.
Clearing your throat
If you frequently clear your throat, you should find out the cause so you can break the habit. Clearing your throat a lot can be a sign of a medical condition like postnasal drip or even acid reflux. Try to develop the habit of swallowing rather than throat clearing and discuss the problem with your doctor to find out the cause. Many times, singers develop a habit of throat clearing because of frequently clearing the cords for singing. A little mucus on your vocal cords should not be too much of an interference with your voice.
The effect food has on your vocal health
Some types of foods will irritate your voice For instance, dairy foods are noted to cause increased mucus production and this leads you to clear your throat more frequently. Some people may be affected by spicy foods while others are not. Pay attention to how your body reacts to certain foods, so you know what to avoid the day before or day of a big concert or performance.
How allergens affect vocal health
Allergies to pollen and dust will cause your throat and vocal folds to become irritated and inflamed. Your doctor may be able to prescribe medication to help you overcome your allergy problems. There are some basic precautions you can take at home for allergy relief. Maintain a clean home so dust doesn’t have the chance to settle and cause your problems and select allergy-free bedding to sleep on at night. Pay attention to your local news and weather for pollen count updates. Most areas have higher pollen counts in the early morning or early evening. Restrict your outdoor activities to the middle of the day when you are less likely to run into problems with pollen.
How medicines can affect your voice
Many times, the drugs you take for other conditions will cause your throat to become dried out. If you have to take the medication, then drink lots of water before you sing so your throat won’t become too dry. If it is possible, you might want to avoid taking any medications before your singing engagement.
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We have all heard the old phrase – attitude is everything, and that phrase is very true. Your attitude can have a profound impact on your personal motivation, so it is important to maintain that positive attitude no matter what challenges and roadblocks are thrown up in your way.
As a matter of fact, keeping your attitude a positive one in the face of overwhelming odds is the motivation tips that owners of the most successful businesses will all give you. The most successful business owners, from the Sam Walton to Bill Gates, have all been able to triumph in the face of adversity. It is those successful business owners many people have in mind when they tell you that attitude is everything.
We all know that the old saw that attitude is everything is true, but how you deal with that knowledge that will determine your level of success, or your lack of success. One of the most important ways to implement that attitude is everything axiom is to observe who you associate with and who you surround yourself with. That is because when you surround yourself with negative people it can cause their negative attitudes to rub off on you. When people say attitude is everything that applies to both negative attitudes as well as positive ones. Surrounding yourself with those people exhibiting positive attitudes, however, will also be contagious, but in a good way. Keeping your network of associates, colleagues, coworkers and friends as positive as possible is a great way to put the phrase “attitude is everything” into practical use.
Whatever you decide to do in life, your attitude will have a profound effect on the success you achieve. Success, whether in the world of business or personal life, is directly related to your attitude, and the attitude you bring to your work. A positive attitude will help you achieve greater success in your job, no matter what your current level of employment. Many people are still able to work their way up through their companies, even in today’s competitive environment. Exhibiting a positive attitude can go a long way toward helping you get the most from your employment, and it can help you get the attention of those in a position to help your career as well. That is because business achievers understand that attitude is everything, and they can recognize your positive attitude and award it appropriately.
A positive can do attitude is important to being a quality employee, but taking the phrase attitude is everything to heart is absolutely essential if you plan to start your own business. Whether your plans are for a one person part time enterprise, or a nationwide company employing hundreds or thousands of people, the attitude you express will be reflected in your business and in the members of your staff.
If you would like to expand your business by leaps and bounds, you must show a positive attitude towards all those who are associated with your business especially your employees and they in turn prove they are an asset for you.
We also have a self improvement blog where Patric Chan shares his personal success secrets and strategies regularly.