Healthy Singing During the Holidays

· Health Tips

It's that time of year! It's especially challenging this year with fewer opportunities to get together with family, and less singing together. Here are some ideas for you to keep your singing going during this holiday time.

'Tis the Season for Taking care of your voice

Taking care of your voice during the holidays takes a little more focus than at other times. For one thing, the air is very dry in winter, especially with windows closed and the heat on. Keeping a humidifier by your bed when you sleep helps a great deal with dry mouth in the morning, and minimizes coughing due to the dry air. It's also super helpful if your nose gets stuffy. (Just be sure to keep the humidifier very clean to avoid bacteria build-up).

Be mindful of what you eat and drink

Watching what you eat is important too, since some of the foods we love also increase acid reflux. Acid reflux (heartburn) occurs when stomach acid comes up the esophagus and some drips onto your vocal folds, causing irritation there. Foods to watch for include alcohol, greasy foods, spicy foods, and foods that are acidic, among many others. Overeating also causes the stomach to react. So, eat and enjoy delicious holiday foods!! Just stay mindful. (Here's my tip for being mindful, something I tell myself when I want one more piece of pie, for example: the second piece will taste just the same as the first, and my body will feel a whole lot better by eating only one piece.)

Keep singing!

Singing is one of the best things you can do for your health and well-being. Holiday songs are a tradition in my family...growing up we always gathered around the piano as my older brother played and we all sang in loud and joyous harmony. I miss those days!