What Should I Avoid as a Singer?

To avoid losing your voice or harming your vocal folds, you should consult the list below and take it seriously. It will take self-control, but in the end, like everything else, the hard work will pay off.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol, even wine. These harmful drinks are dehydrating and may affect the mucosa of the vocal folds.  If you are in a situation where alcohol is necessary, like a wedding, and you want to have a drink, then you must also drink two glasses of lukewarm water. Do this for every drink you consume.
  • Avoid feeling over tired! Be responsible, put yourself to bed early! Eventually, your brain will stop fighting you to stay awake, your mind will ease, and you’ll fall into the nice sleep that you need. This also gives your voice the rest it needs overnight.  Sleep is the best remedy for a tired voice.
  • Avoid the chit-chat. You can obviously answer questions, but keep the talking to only necessary statements and questions. Explain to your close ones why you’re doing this and they’ll respect you. Try texting it out if you have a lot to say, but let your voice rest.
  • Avoid candies and chocolate. Anything with too much sugar or fat can cause excess mucous which can ruin anyone’s day.
  • Avoid extremely hot or cold drinks. They can enlarge or restrict the vessels from your head to your chords. Lukewarm temps are the way to go.
  • Avoid shouting, and avoid whispering. Many people don’t know this but whispering is almost as detrimental to compromised vocal folds as shouting because it forces air over the folds.  You should even avoid coughing or clearing your throat if possible, as these actions send the folds into trauma mode.
  • Avoid smoking and smoke filled environments. Cigarette smoke is one of the most toxic chemicals to the delicate tissues of the vocal folds.  Inhaling smoke is one of the worst things you can do to your voice.