Hydration Hacks Every Voice Professional Should Know
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 preventing, so out come the extra Vitamine 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 paranoia 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 it works:
Manuka honey soothes and heals the throat and Lemon has loads of natural Vitamine C. Together, they’re a great combination for keeping your voice clear and your immune system strong. Make sure you get a honey that is as natural as possible.
How to prepare it:
Heat up the kettle and poor 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 that soothes your throat and helps build your immune system.
It’s a small, natural boost that helps your throat recover faster and stay comfortable, and it works anytime. 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 that goes to your throat and nasal areas, which gives quick relief.
Why it works:
Steam keeps your vocal cords moist and reduces irritation. I poor 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 and most powerful ways to care for our voice. I use a Kangen Water Machine at home, which produces hydrogen rich water (typically pH 8.5–9.5). This water is a natural antioxidant without any added nasties that you might find with water from the shop.
Alkalised water helps reduce inflamation of our body and supports better hydration. That’s a win-win for me as a voice actor.
Why it helps (in my experience):
If we are supposed to drink water anyway, (and everyone needs it every day!), then why not make sure it is healthy for our body? Not all water is created equal.
Water that comes out of the tap goes through the Kangen Machine where it gets an electric shock, called ‘electrolysis’. This produces alkalised water which works as an antioxident. The molecular structure changes as a result, which supports better hydration.
Due to the electrolysis, the water penetrates the cells of our body and cleans them within, where normal water can’t. Imagine the health benefits this could produce? Over time, I have noticed less issues with fatique, less brain fog, less inflamation and my overall health improved. This alkalised water helps neutralise acidity, oxidative stress and enhances overall health.
How I use it:
I take a bottle with me into the studio which I drink during voiceover sessions and usually I drink several glasses of water each day.
The Kangen Machine you see in the picture is the one I use everday. If you’re curious about it, or if you have questions, I’m always happy to explain more or share my experience.
Keep Your Voice in Shape
Whether you’re behind the mic or behind the scenes, taking care of self 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 blends.
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 loads of people. At an airport I sit somewhere where it’s quiet and if someone’s sneezing in an isle of a shop, I will take the next isle! 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!