Big Performance and You're Sick

It happens to all of us...big performance, critics in the house, and you're sick. How do you get through? Well, since I'm fighting through it as we speak, here's a few things that have helped me.

1) If it's in your head/chest--Go to the doctor (If you're a singer a GREAT otolaryngologist is key), determine the exact problem (ask to have your chords scoped so you can see for yourself), get prescriptions and get on the meds immediately. Sometimes steroids will be your last resort to reduce swelling of the vocal chords. They work but they're dangerous and only a temporary save. I try to avoid them.

2) No soda, smoking, talking, coffee-ing.

3) SLEEEEEEEP. Get as much rest as you can.

4) For energy B12 is the best. Vitamin Water seems to have a lot of it.

5) Mucinex--helps thin the gunk plaguing your chords (i've been living on this stuff this week).

6) Over the counter Afrin can help before the show so you can breathe, but only use it for a few days at most.

6) Take the pressure off yourself. You can only do what you can do. You may be sick, it may be allergies, a virus, who knows? But be honest, be careful with your body and your voice, know your limits, and when you get out there on that stage, just try to have fun no matter what. It won't be easy (these last two nights certainly were not for me) but we live we learn we grow.

Stay Healthy/Feel Better!