Rising above the chaos: vocal health in sickness

For several weeks just prior to writing this, I was battling a cough, chest congestion, stuffy/blocked nose, and so on. It was a terrible time to say the least! I had a recording commitment and had to keep my voice going somehow.

My lowest notes were even lower and my highest notes were very croaky. So how was I (and all of us singers in this unfortunate position) supposed to be handling this time of sickness when I still needed to sing?* (Please see the Article Disclaimer at the bottom of this post: I am not a medical professional – this article discusses my own personal experiences and observations.)

Well, it depends how bad the sickness progresses over time. To a certain degree I was still able to continue with gentle vocalisations, but I definitely needed to stay attuned to how and what I was feeling. Here is what worked for me.

The first and most important thing to note is that I had no pain at all in my throat or anywhere else. Pain is a full stop. There was a time when I needed complete vocal rest; it was too annoying and inconvenient to even try singing when breathing freely was difficult, and a hacking cough persisted (especially at night). The back of my throat was horribly red raw and the uvula (that little piece of flesh hanging down at the back of the throat) and tonsils were swollen. My vocal folds were most likely inflamed, meaning consistent approximation (side-by-side connection) for healthy phonation was lacking.

However, during this time I still put out a video on my social media channels sounding like my usual self. You hopefully cannot tell that I was unwell at this time because I was continuing to make gentle sounds and do soothing vocal exercises.* But more precisely, I was relying on my Bel Canto skills and experience to transcend the chaos and ‘soldier on’ in a healthy and carefully managed way.

Thankfully I have rarely been sick in recent years, and know that the benefits of Bel Canto are helping me beyond actual singing! In Bel Canto, you literally allow the natural mechanics of you – your inner structure – to ‘rise above’ any turmoil that may be happening in your physical body, in conjunction with sensible medical treatment and favourite natural remedies, of course!

Over the years I have found that my Bel Canto training has allowed me to be in a stronger position to deal with any sort of mess (be it physical, spiritual, or mental). It gives me an array of tools to focus on during my recovery, such as breathwork, open and sustained structure, cultivating stillness, and more.

During health issues I have found it wise to only do what I can – allowing the vocal folds to connect and recover with the rest of my body in an organic way. I monitor and gradually increase, decrease, or omit certain activities. I listen to my body, mind, soul, and inner sound. I stay in touch with how I feel. Time heals all.

I also use imagery to help in this process. I ensure that I am well supported in my lower body, then imagine that I am suspending and sustaining air and space above the vocal folds (up into my head) as if I am floating above the clouds. I feel that I am in a higher space, and in this position I can vocalise gently. There is never any pain, strain, or pressure in or on the throat – which is always the case in Bel Canto (and should be for any healthy singing methodology). I have found that this is not only good practice while unwell, but at any time. Bel Canto really is a holistic approach to singing.

But remember, this is what works for me, as long as there is no pain present at all. You may find that you need to manage things differently as part of your recovery and other unique health circumstances. Take measures to address your own issues with the appropriate treatment.*

For details about how smart Bel Canto techniques can help you build a healthier voice, come and register for one or more of my training offerings. You can also discuss your vocal needs and goals with me at a FREE Discovery Consultation.

In the meantime, stay well and always...

Be Free To Sing,

Yvonne

*Article Disclaimer:

The content of this post has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified medical or other allied health professional, such as an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist, with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

 If you feel uncomfortable or experience any pain during any exercise, please stop.

 Before attempting any new exercise please consider personal factors such as your current flexibility, strength, and general health to determine whether the exercise is appropriate for you. If you decide to proceed with an exercise, any injury sustained as a result of proper or improper use of the exercise is solely your responsibility and Be Free To Sing® disclaims any liability. It is suggested that you consult your professional healthcare provider before attempting any exercise or exercise program.