A new year - or even every new day, week, or month - is an invitation for us all to find better ways of releasing tension in our lives; letting go of things that do not bring us peace, balance, and wellbeing.
Singing is also about having a tension-free instrument and eliminating every form of pain, stress, or force so we are able to joyfully express ourselves through our art.
While we primarily aim to remove tension in our bodies, especially in the throat, we also need to realise that there is a good form of tension that can work well for us in providing support while we sing. This is mainly focused on maintaining strength and stability in our core muscles.
Even before singing a single note, we want to think about ways of creating positive physical habits to release unwanted tension in other parts of the body. Based on my experience, you will certainly not regret taking the time to invest in your physical well-being and see the beneficial effects in your voice! You may like to consider the following suggestions:
- Firstly, assess where you are currently on a tension scale, where 1 is no/minimal tension and 10 is strong tension. Notice your body and how you feel. Are you ready for change?
- Where do you experience stiffness? Are any parts of your body in pain? Do you have an existing chronic condition? Are you on any medication? Can you consult a trusted health care professional to guide you and recommend appropriate exercises for you?
- If you decide to proceed with a physical activity, always determine how you feel before each session. Have water nearby before you begin. If you feel dizzy or experience any pain at any stage, stop the activity or exercise and rest.
- Self-massage - using the pads of your fingers, gently and slowly massage your skin in small circles. Start from the top of/around your head, then carefully move down to your face, jaw, neck, and shoulders. Linger longer around those areas that are stubbornly tight.
- Gently stretch to open the body and warm your muscles. Search for videos with exercises for beginners or seniors on YouTube/other video sharing platforms. Even if you are not a senior or a beginner, these are especially helpful.
- Breathe low and deeply in the body/abdomen and back. Hold still for a few seconds, then slowly release. Repeat a few times. Relax the shoulders down and back, release the neck.
- You may choose to sign up for an exercise group, gym, or other community health program, but if not, you can do these exercises at home or online with others.
- My online Beginner Singers courses and Bel Canto Bites lessons include tips which can support you with this from the comfort of your own home. I warmly invite you to come and learn with me in 2024 and beyond!
Not sure what training is right for you? No problem! If you are an adult who has always wanted to learn how to sing, especially using the age-old revolutionary Bel Canto approach, you can register for a FREE Discovery Consultation now and we can talk it through – I’d love to help you!
Until next time, be tension-free and always Be Free To Sing,
Be Free To Sing is a proud member of the Australian National Association of Teachers of Singing (ANATS) Limited.