Spring Cleaning for Singers: Optimizing Your Vocal Practice and Health
Spring is here! As the days grow longer and the flowers bloom, it's the perfect time for a fresh start in every aspect of our lives. Just as we clean our homes and declutter our spaces during spring, it's also beneficial to apply this mindset to our vocal practice and overall vocal health. Let's learn how you can "spring clean" your vocal routine, vocal hygiene practices, and physical space to optimize your health as a singer this season!
Clean up your space.
Declutter: Did you know there is a connection between the state of our outer surroundings and the peace of our inner world? Having a physical space (like your home or your designated practice area) that is organized and tidy has a positive impact on your mental state, causing lower feelings of stress and anxiety. Since singing is a hugely mental activity, inner calm through outer order is very beneficial.
Reduce allergens: We love spring for the beautiful flowers and green grass that grows, but oh, the allergies! Avoid outside time if you are allergic to tree and grass pollen. Wear a mask and clean pollen off of outdoor furniture. And it is classic "spring cleaning," but be sure to vacuum and dust inside the home to reduce allergens that can affect your vocal health and quality.
Organize your set-up: Take time to clean and maintain any equipment like your computer or microphones used in vocal lessons. This not only prolongs their lifespan but also ensures optimal performance.
Clean up your vocal routine.
Create a Schedule: Dedicate specific times for vocal practice each day or week. Consistency is key to improvement. Try finding even 20 minutes, three times a week, to work on some technique exercises or practice your breathing.
Explore new music: Spring is a season of growth, so why not explore new vocal genres? Challenge yourself to step out of your comfort zone and expand your vocal repertoire.
Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve with your voice. Whether it's improving your range, mastering a challenging song, or enhancing vocal control, having clear goals will guide your practice sessions.
Clean up your vocal hygiene and health habits.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your vocal cords hydrated. (Not to mention all of the other health benefits that come from hydration!)
Keep up with medication: If you are someone who struggles with allergies or acid reflux, talk to your doctor about taking over the counter medications to help combat these issues, which can affect the quality of your singing.
Get enough sleep: During sleep, the body undergoes essential repair processes, including the healing of vocal cords. Adequate rest allows the vocal cords to recover from the day's strain and prevents vocal fatigue.
Lastly, clean up your self talk! The way we speak to ourselves internally can have a deep impact on our confidence, mindset, and ultimately, our performance as singers. Negative self-talk, such as self-doubt, criticism, or harsh judgment, can create mental clutter and hinder progress. It's crucial to practice positive affirmations, self-compassion, and constructive self-feedback. If you work to refresh anything this spring, we hope it's that. ❤️