Water Tools Every Voice Professional Should Know About
Flu season is here, and if you’re anything like me, you probably think, “Oh, here we go again…”, quickly followed by a bit of determination not to let it get you down! It’s all about prevention, so out come the extra Vitamin C and D supplements.
We’ve all been there, and it is not an easy time of year for those of us who rely on our voices. Over the past few winters, I’ve had my fair share of throat issues. One even lingered all the way from December until April the next year. Not ideal when your voice is your livelihood! So, if you’re dealing with something similar right now, I completely understand how you feel (and I hope you get better soon!).
Whether you’re a voiceover artist, a producer or an agent, when you are in contact with other people and you work in close spaces, sharing microphones, leaning over scripts and stepping in and out of vocal booths, it can be a challenge not to get a little paranoid about getting ill.
Since your voice is your most important tool, looking after it is essential. Over the years, I’ve found a few natural remedies that help me stay healthy and keep my voice strong. I thought of sharing them with you here, and keep reading for one that might surprise you…
Manuka Honey with Half a Lemon Squeezed in Water
This is my go to remedy every winter. Simple, natural and surprisingly effective.
Why I use it:
I find Manuka honey really soothing for my throat, while lemon adds a lovely fresh taste and some vitamin C. Together, they've become one of my favourite winter combinations when my voice needs a little extra care.
How to prepare it:
Heat up the kettle and pour some water into a nice mug. Squeeze half a lemon in the water.
Mix with 1 tablespoon of organic Manuka honey.
Feel free to add a pinch of cinnamon or turmeric for extra goodness.
Stir with a teaspoon, wait a few minutes until it cools down and enjoy a lovely drink. It’s especially a nice drink for long recording sessions.
Dr. Nelson’s Inhaler – The Sauna For My Voice
If you’ve never tried Dr. Nelson’s Inhaler, it’s a game-changer for anyone who uses their voice professionally. I call it the ‘Sauna for my Voice’, because it literally feels like that. This beautiful vintage ceramic inhaler delivers warm steam around the throat and nasal areas, which I find really soothing.
Why it works:
Steam keeps your vocal cords moist and reduces irritation. I pour a bit of water into the inhaler and I don’t add any oils.
How to use it:
Fill the inhaler with warm (not boiling) water.
Inhale deeply through your mouth and exhale gently through your nose.
Repeat for about 5-10 minutes.
It’s a simple, relaxing way to refresh your voice after long recording sessions or busy studio days.
The Kangen Water Machine – My Secret Health Weapon
Hydration is one of the simplest ways I look after my voice. At home and in my studio, I use a Kangen Water Machine, which produces electrolysed, hydrogen-rich alkaline drinking water.
It's much more than a standard water filter. Tap water passes through the machine and goes through a process called electrolysis, producing different types of water for different uses. The technology has been used in Japan for decades, and research into hydrogen-rich water and its potential health benefits continues today.
Why I use it:
For me, one of the biggest differences is simple: the water is incredibly easy to drink.
We all know we should drink enough water, but sometimes it can feel like an effort. With this water, I genuinely want to drink it. I carry a bottle everywhere and during long voice-over sessions, I reach for it without even thinking.
Since making it part of my daily routine, I've personally noticed fewer issues with fatigue and brain fog, and generally feel better. That's my own experience, but it's why I jokingly call it my secret health weapon.
The Kangen Machine in the picture is the one I use every day. If you're curious or have any questions, I'm always happy to share my experience.
Keep Your Voice in Shape
Whether you’re behind the mic or behind the scenes, taking care of yourself is taking care of each other. Small, consistent habits can make all the difference in how you sound and feel. The voiceover business is an energetic business where scripts need to come to life and where physical and technical ability blend.
I suppose the key is to always make your vocal care a priority, especially during flu season. I try to stay away from areas with lots of people. At an airport I sit somewhere where it’s quiet and if someone’s sneezing in an aisle of a shop, I will take the next aisle! I don’t say anything, I don’t create a scene, but I just swiftly turn around and I leave. We owe it to our colleagues in the industry as well as our clients.
If you’d like to know more about how I take care of my voice or about my experience with Kangen water, feel free to reach out. I’m always happy to share what’s worked for me.
Stay healthy and keep your voice strong this season!