Managing Easter Sunday and Allergy Season

As singers in the music ministry there are two things we are all facing right now. We are quickly coming up on Easter Sunday and Allergy Season. For non-musicians this may not be as big an issue. But for singers who are preparing to sing for Easter, allergy season can be dreadful! As that yellow pollen falls, sinus problems begin.

Sneezing, coughing, wheezing! So what is a singer to do? I would like to give you a few suggestions to help you sing strong through allergy season and be able to enjoy all that beautiful music on Easter Sunday.

1.Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate – water is necessary every day, every season. During allergy season you especially need to get that water in. It helps flush out the allergens. As far as how much water to drink, take your personal body weight and divide it in half. You need to drink that many ounces of water a day. Example: If you weigh 150 pounds you need to drink 75 ounces of water a day. Don’t skimp on the water!

2. During allergy season, take hydration a step further. Use a vaporizer/steamer and just plant your face in the steam and breathe it in. Five or ten minutes a day really helps to keep those irritated sinuses and vocal cords hydrated. Using a humidifier in your home also helps irritated sinuses by keeping the air moist.

3. Essential oils are a natural way to combat allergies. Lavender, lemon and peppermint are a great combination to keep allergies at bay. A few drops each, combined and rubbed behind your ears several times a day really does help.

4. Sip on some hot green tea each day. Add some lemon, honey and even a little ginger to combat allergies, soothe your throat and clear out the crud.

5. If you’re in the midst of heavy rehearsals right now be sure to take a day of rest vocally. Rehearse then rest your voice. If possible, schedule a day of complete vocal rest after an intense rehearsal. Stressed out vocal cords can’t handle the stress of dealing with allergies too. So rest your voice.

6. Warming up your vocal cords is also important. Just as you warm up your muscles before you run or exercise, gently warm up those muscles before you sing.

7. Get plenty of rest Easter weekend. And Easter Sunday, go with a water bottle and some throat lozenges.

Psalm 104:33 says, “I will sing to the Lord all my life; I will sing praise to my God as long as I live.” As a singer in the Lord’s service you have been entrusted with special instrument. Take care of those vocal cords. Commit your voice to Him and go sing with all of your heart!