Winter is here! As Canadians get ready to stay warm all season long, there’s more than just the cold at stake! Chilly weather can be tough on vocal cords, and the dry air outdoors, as well as the constant use of indoor heating, can wreak havoc on your throat, leading to vocal strain, hoarseness and more. Knowing how to care for your voice is essential for singers, especially those living in less temperament areas of Canada. At Musicworks Canada, we know that the voice is an important instrument, and we’re here to help you grow your vocal talents with ease.

Below, we’ll cover some of the best ways to protect your vocal health all winter long. Read on to learn more!

Stay Hydrated—Inside and Out

Staying hydrated should always be a priority, regardless of the time of year. With that being said, it becomes even more important to stay on top of your water consumption during the winter. Cold weather often leads to people drinking less water, which can lead to the vocal cords drying out. Keep water nearby and sip regularly to stay hydrated throughout the day, aiming for at least eight glasses daily to keep your voice supple and strong. Your skin and your body will thank you!

From an external perspective, give yourself a moisture buffer by adding a humidifier to your home, especially in key areas like your bedroom and/or practice area. Increased exposure to central heating is common during the winter, and while this may help us stay warm, it can also be incredibly drying and difficult on our throats and vocal cords. A humidifier helps to offset some of this and creates a more harmonious atmosphere for our throats and sinuses. 

Warm Up Your Voice (and Body) Properly

While it’s always important to warm up your vocal cords for optimal performance, this becomes even more crucial in the winter, when cold weather tightens up our vocal cords and muscles. Drinking warm water, partaking in gentle humming exercises, and practicing lip trills, scales, and breathwork all help to warm up the vocal cords without causing aggressive strain or aggravation.Try to keep your body warm in general to reduce any shock to your system wherever possible. Bundling up, drinking warm, soothing teas, and taking the time to let your body “come up to temperature” all help to minimize strain and reduce any damage to your singing voice. 

Protect Your Voice Against Cold and Flu

Winter is often synonymous with cold and flu season, and the many bugs in the air can quickly damage your voice. Try to reduce your exposure to airborne sicknesses by practicing good basic hygiene: washing your hands, avoiding crowded spaces or masking up when needed, and boosting your immune system with a healthy diet of nutrient-rich foods. 

If you do happen to get sick, give your voice plenty of rest to allow your vocal cords to recover and reduce demand on your body overall. Singing while sick can also increase your transmission of germs, so it’s best to stay home, drink plenty of fluids, and rest as needed until you recover. 

Avoid Caffeine, Alcohol, and Cold Drinks

Caffeine and alcohol are known for their dehydrating effects, and while they’re often part of winter festivities, they can dry out your vocal cords. Cold drinks can also cause your throat to tighten, which makes it difficult to access your full vocal range while singing. Though it can be hard to avoid caffeine, alcohol, and cold drinks completely, practicing moderation and exercising restraint before a vocal performance will go a long way toward protecting your singing capabilities.Wondering what you can safely drink for vocal performance? Warm herbal teas like ginger or chamomile are ideal, and adding in honey is a great way to help soothe any irritation that may have developed due to seasonal conditions. 

Looking to Grow Your Singing Voice?

Want to unlock your inner vocalist and increase your singing abilities? Musicworks Canada is here to help! With decades of experience and a dedication to providing the best instruction possible, our team is proud to help students from all walks of life benefit from the flexibility and comfort offered by virtual singing lessons and in-studio vocal instruction. In addition to music lessons, we also offer a comprehensive range of academic tutoring for math, science,  coding, second languages, and more. 

Contact us today to start your vocal journey!