Have you ever experienced an off day with your voice, with no explanation you can think of? You’re not alone. Most singers face this predicament multiple times in their career. I, for one, experience this more frequently than I would care to admit. Our voices are part of our bodies, and our bodies are constantly adapting according to our circumstances and current state of being.
As a voice teacher, when this kind of issue comes up during a lesson, I will ask my student, “Are you drinking enough water?” This is often met with a cheeky grin and the answer, “Probably not.” We usually have a good laugh and a reminder about the importance of drinking water is shared. We then make some adjustments and continue the lesson.
Hydration, or lack of it, can really affect the voice. You’ve probably heard that before, but do you actually know why? In today’s article, I’ll share with you what happens to your vocal cords when you are hydrated or dehydrated, how hydration can affect your performance as a singer, and tips for keeping those electrolytes balanced.
What happens to your voice when you’re hydrated?
Did you know that when your body is properly hydrated, your vocal cords are covered with a thin layer of mucus? This mucosal layer over the vocal cords acts as lubrication, so that when they vibrate, they do so without causing irritation. You also don’t need as much air pressure from the lungs to get them to vibrate, which means less physical effort when it comes to breath control.
What happens to your voice when you’re dehydrated?
When you are dehydrated, the mucosal coating over the vocal cords is thicker, stickier, and less slippery. The vocal cords cannot move as freely in this state as they could when your body is hydrated. This means your coordination can be thrown off, and you will probably notice more physical effort is needed to produce the kinds of sounds you want.
How to stay hydrated
Your body will show signs of dehydration the day after you don’t drink enough water. And, when you rehydrate yourself, it will show signs of hydration the following day. Keep that in mind for performances, lessons, or activities coming up where you want to have well-lubricated vocal cords. It’s generally recommended to drink anywhere from 4 to 8 cups of water per day, however this amount varies from person to person. If you exercise a lot, you might find you need more. It is important to note that drinking water frequently throughout the day is better than drinking it all at once, or in large gulps here and there. You also can hydrate yourself through some vegetables, soups, teas, and anything you partake of that has lots of liquids.
It is recommended to stay away from substances such as alcohol, marijuana products, or nicotine products, as they actively dehydrate you. If you do partake of them, make sure you supplement with plenty of water and added electrolytes.
Another thing you can try is steaming your voice. This is where you breathe in steamy air, whether it be from a voice steamer, boiling water, or steam from a shower. This moisturized air directly brings hydration to your vocal cords. It’s a great way to immediately add some lubrication if you find yourself feeling dehydrated or just a little off.
Conclusion
Making hydration a priority as a singer will do nothing but benefit your time as a student and as a performer. And, who knows, you just might find that you have less “off” days than before. Happy singing!
