How to survive singing in the sunshine!
July 10, 2013TIP for singers in this heat:- DRINK DRINK DRINK WATER
singing tips and hints
Rehearsal rooms and gigs are scorchingly dehydrating in this weather – avoid alcohol (SORRY!) tea/coffee/energy drinks high in caffeine or sugar until AFTER your performance or rehearsal. Switch hot drinks to herbal tea when you can. Whatever water you normally drink, at least double in this heat.
Dehydration causes the vocal chords to swell, so you experience discomfort, chord closure becomes more inefficient, you find yourself constantly clearing your throat, and tire very quickly when singing. It’s exhausting enough singing when it’s hot like this, so you can really help it along by watching your hydration levels even more closely than usual. Just keep a bottle with you and sip throughout the day (thus avoiding the annoyance of frequent trips to the loo).
Also avoid getting sunburnt, as this is bad for your general health, but also huge contributing factor to dehydration. Lie out and enjoy the sun by all means, but do it with good sun block and a large jug of water with you.
You should be aiming for at least 2 litres of water a day in this weather. 3 if you can. Dehydration can also make you tired generally, and make it more difficult for you to concentrate overall.
A fact that is not commonly known is that – at the point you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.
Get a nice bottle and make it your new best friend.
One with a sports cap is safest for you to have on stage with you, thus minimising spillages.