A healthy voice
How can you keep your voice healthy and flexible? Start
by drinking enough water. Water "smoothens" the vocal
folds allowing you to get more out of your range. Your
body needs plenty of water in general. Try drinking
7 to 8 glasses of water each day. I'm sure you've
heard of this one, but yes - tea with honey does calm
down your throat and is good for your voice. Do not take
this right before signing though as tea contains some
ingredients that can "tighten" the vocal folds causing
you to not get to use your full vocal range. Tea without
caffeine is the best for singers and people who speak
in public a lot.
Smoking is very damaging to your voice. And not to
your voice alone. Secondhand smoking also has a very
negative effect on your voice. Irritation and swelling
of the vocal folds are well known causes. Smoking for
years can alter your entire voice, in a negative way.
Strain is to be avoided at all times. Experimenting with
your voice is fine, but make sure you don't overdo it!
As soon as you start feeling strain stop and give
your voice some rest. Sleep in general is one of the most
important elements of a healthy voice. Make sure you
get 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night.
Clearing your through multiple times a day causes
irritation and could lead to temporary damage. Swallowing,
or drinking water will clear your throat without damaging
it by clearing.
When you are ill try to minimize the use of your voice.
Your entire body's defenses are low during illness,
including your voice. Relax and give yourself the rest you
need to recover from your illness.