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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.
I hope you found this article informative. If you’re learning to sing, you may well be interested in learning how to promote yourself and your band successfully. If so I highly recommend you check out this Social Bandmaker review.
Are you the only optimistic person you know? Perhaps that one person in your work place who loves using the word ‘no’ to any suggestion? Perhaps your spouse or loved one who is constantly negative, the kind of person that would see one tiny cloud in the sky as an indication of a gloomy day. Or even a good mate who ‘knows’ the home team will lose because…well…because he just knows it. Or that one person in your drinking group that is constantly complaining about anything under the sun.
If you are in this situation and you’re bursting with positivity and personal growth that just does not seem to be catching on with the ones you know, there are a few tactics you can deploy to get those negative bugs off. It’s important to want to change someone’s negative perception because sooner or later, their negativity can infect you! And that is the LAST thing you want!
SMILE
Always smile. Keep that frown off your face. A smile can spread on and on. When you smile you radiate happiness. When other’s see you smile, they have to return it. DO a test. Do a random smile test now. Right now! Just get into a queue at the supermarket or at the bus stand. Smile at everyone that crosses your path. Chances are you won’t get any frowns. It’s not a crime to smile. And when they do, even if they are having the toughest day of their life, just by smiling at you, a little positivity will seep into them. It can’t be helped!
COMPLIMENT
Say something nice to the person whose pessimistic vibes are really getting to you. Compliments are a great way to make someone’s day and occasionally, that good feeling will be a reminder for that person about what’s good in their life. So give a compliment but one that’s well meant and not just another cliche like “You look great!’ Something specific like “I like it when you smile, it lights up your face.usually works! You would be amazed!.
TO HELL WITH PUNISHMENTS
The worst thing you can do to a super negative person is to punish them. Let’s say your child does not have much confidence and because of that negativity, he does not do well in school, punishing the kid won’t do well for his esteem. Or if your friend is always late, teasing him or getting angry at his lack of time management won’t help you one bit. In fact it might make him want to piss you more the next time. Punishments reinforce negativity, they don’t eliminate them. Which takes us to the next point.
POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT
If you are stuck with a person oozing negativity, gently nudge them with positive thoughts. Instead of pinpointing on the things they do wrong, point out what they do right. Say your always-late pal, if he ever happens to make it early (or earlier than usual) one day, tell him how good it is that he made it on time and how much you appreciate it. Positive encouragements will make the person feel more confident with themselves. Or if your spouse says that she thinks she’s not good enough the higher job position, don’t say ‘ Well, if you think you can’t you won’t.” instead say “You know what? I believe in you.” It’s a great way to instill positivity and motivate personal growth in any person!