Today's vocal fundamental is: HYDRATION (internal)
Ok be honest - do you drink enough water every day?
This is an area I definitely struggle with. I have to write it down, use a large water tumbler, and remind myself constantly to drink enough water.
It's not that I don't like water. I really do!
I just simply forget.
If this sounds like you, too, I just want you to know that you're not alone. We can cheer each other on to make sure we're staying hydrated, for the sake of our voices.
Many, many studies and reports say that 75% of people are dehydrated (!). And there are certain schools of thought that believe it takes a full 1-2 weeks to rehydrate if you live in a state of chronic hydration.
Let's take ourselves out of these statistics, and make sure we're taking care of the gifts God has given us by doing our best to stay hydrated!
Here's the deal - lots of different vocal issues can be relieved or even avoided in the first place by making sure you're hydrated.
For example: if you deal with any kind of hoarseness, so.much.phlegm., cracks or squeaks in your voice, your voice feeling like it's "stuck" in your throat, shortened range, cough...one of the first things you can do is check your hydration.
As vocalists, we should be drinking a minimum of 80 oz of water per day.
Yes, that's the MINIMUM.
If it sounds like a lot, that's because it is. But it's a good place to start if you're not currently taking in enough water.
Here are some tips that have helped me:
Here are some tips that have helped me:
Using a larger water bottle/tumbler
Carrying that tumbler with me everywhere, even at home to different rooms
Using a straw
Drinking ice water (but room temp on worship leading/performance days)
Mixing my water with 100% fruit juice when I want to change it up
Once you get to a state of being consistently hydrated, here are just some of the things you might start to notice about your voice:
Better pitch
More vocal control
Smoother phrases and sets of notes
Less clearing your throat
If you lead multiple worship services every weekend, please, make hydration one of your top priorities. It will help support your prep, warmups, performance, speaking, and recovery in the most wonderful way.
Ok, here's your assignment this week: start drinking ONE additional 8 oz glass of water each day. Add another glass every day until you're close to or over that 80 oz minimum.
You can do this! Start today, and you'll see the benefits and results in no time.