Staying healthy as a singer

So we've all been there before, the stress of repeated rehearsals and then cracking during a show. It's not easy being a singer (though it may look easy to others on stage) especially when your vocal cords/throat at times have a mind of their own!

Anyway, I stumbled upon this little article about vocal health- it's a good place to start so I thought I'd share it with you!

http://en.audiofanzine.com/vocal-technique/editorial/articles/vocal-health-for-singers.html

I think the most important aspect of singing is the mental side. If you are happy and have a balanced brain, you're there.

- Eat wholesome food.

I have experimented and done research on this and have found no difference in eating healthy or junk. What matters is how long from eating to singing. Don't eat right before, and don't sing starving.

- Keep in good physical condition.

Being very shape today, as opposed to 10 kg's ago, I have a much better lung capasity from running killer tracks in the forest, steep hills etc.. Still I feel no difference in vocal abilities such as range, sustain, pitch etc...

- Sleep at least eight hours per day.

This I know is true

- Avoid meals just before performances.

True

- Avoid sparkling drinks.

True

- Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

As long as you don't get drunk, it's no problem. Drink water in between, keeps you from getting de-hydrated. Cigarettes don't have any bad effect on my voice. Or good...

- Hydrate yourself! Drink, drink, drink... water, of course, and without moderation.

Use moderation, I say, listen to your body.

All those points are fine, but not neccesary true for everyone. My advice is to try to strive for being happier and healthier.

Why avoid sparkling drinks, besides that they make you burp?

Well, burping is quite serious when you're on stage, what if you are about to belt a low note and suddenly feel the need to burp? I haven't tried but I'm quite sure those two are incompatible.

Agreed - burp will take presidence over the singing - you can't stop a burp - it's gonna happen.

Yeah, you can't control your burp. Good thing I haven't experienced it. i don't know how humiliating it might be when you suddenly need to burp while trying to hit the high notes!

I worked with a guy who would burp right through a word, LOL. He was a great singer, girls loved him and he could get away with anything.