Cold season is definitely an awful time of year for everyone. As a musical theatre major in a conservatory setting, cold season can take a toll on performers like nothing else. You are expected to act, sing, and dance as if nothing is wrong, just as any professional would. But how can you do that when you feel like staying in bed with soup and tea? Here are some of my tips to help you out!
- Prevention is key! I know you’ve heard it all before! But seriously, you’re less likely to get sick if you’re healthy to begin with! Keep up on your personal hygiene; wash your hands regularly. Also, keep vitamin C on hand at all times! Emergen-C is my go-to choice, but you can get it in tablets and even in delicious gummy form! Take care of yourself!
- Once it happens, keep soup and liquids on hand! You can get soup for fairly cheap at your local drug store, things like ramen and Campbell’s soups work really well to get food in your system and also ease your throat. If you’re not too into canned or dry soups, here’s a list of recipes for 14 different types of soup! Don't forget to drink a lot of fluids and keep yourself hydrated! Drink tons of water and even Gatorade! The electrolytes can help you feel better while sick. Avoid sodas and alcohol as they will hinder how quickly you get over your sickness.
- Steaming will rehydrate your throat and vocal chords and open your sinuses! I’ve had several teachers telling me to steam every day to better my voice, so it’s great not just when you’re sick! Here’s a link to my favorite one! Don’t want to drop cash on a steam inhaler? That’s okay! You can DIY one very easily!
- Take care of your throat and voice: As MT majors we use our voice every single day, so it’s important to treat it with care every day. When you’re sick, especially. Drink small amounts or gargle apple cider vinegar to kill a sore throat, drink lots of tea with honey (I like green tea the best when sick!). Whatever the remedy (and here’s a list of them) is, do it and your voice will thank you for it! Find what works for you.
- Take it easy: Keep the focus and try your best to keep attending class, however, put yourself first. Don’t overexert yourself if you don’t need to or ask your teachers if you can observe the class for a day. Keep focused on the tasks at hand, but rest as much as you need. The more you rest, the quicker you’ll get better, so just take it easy!
Cold season is the worst, but it’s not impossible to get through. Take care of yourself, it’ll go by quicker if you do!
