Singers: How much water should you drink and when?

Singers: How much water should you drink and when?

Post By:  SHS Vocal Coach, Jessica Pearson

Being hydrated is mandatory for vocalists. You are sweating during performances and rehearsals, working your body and vocal cords, and are sometimes working in dry venues. To ensure the health of your body and vocal cords you must always keep hydrated.

When you are singing, your vocal cords are rubbing together, creating sound through your breath. Having mucus on our vocal cords keeps them healthy and safe while singing. You need to be hydrated for your body to create this mucus and protect your vocal chords.

There is no perfect amount of water to have a day. Everyone is different and needs different amounts for their body. It also depends on: 1) how much you have worked out that day 2) if you are performing that day 3) if the venue is dry and 4) how much other fluids you have consumed. Depending on what amount of water your body is using effects how much you should intake (if you exercise, you should drink more water than if you have a day of rest).  Don’t wait until you are thirsty or dehydrated to drink some water. Sip on water throughout the day.

You also need to watch what other fluids you intake during the day. Coffee, tea, pop and other beverages that contain caffeine dehydrate your body. You have to balance out how much caffeine you take to how much water you intake (5oz coffee = 5oz water). It is best to eliminate caffeine intake before performances.

So here are the water facts you need to keep in mind:

–       You want to sip your water, not chug

–       Drink between 6 – 8 cups of water a day (adjust to your body)

–       Make sure you drink more water depending on your caffeine intake and how much you sweat that day

–       Drinking water at room temperature is better than hot or cold water.

Don’t wait to be thirsty to drink water, always have some with you.

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