Vocal Dose, HDH: EXHALE, and PYV!

The Week of March 29th BLOG:  

TUESDAY TOSS UP:  Vocal Dose

Yet ANOTHER great way to #prioritizeyourvoice 

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Do you know how many times PER SECOND that YOUR vocal folds vibrate? The first step is to know what your habitual pitch is (that is, your frequency)... which can vary based on many factors... AND can vary throughout your day and between your vocal tasks.    

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There is a wide variety of “normal”, but typically the pitch range for females is 165-255Hz and for males it is 85-155Hz (Baker RJ, 2000). So let’s say an average female is about 220Hz (this means that the vocal folds vibrate 220 times per second!). Now, let’s say that the same person was singing a song or multiple songs over a period of an hour… And/or the same person was teaching a fitness class that requires dynamic voice use (and likely physical movement) over the period of an hour… And/or the same person was speaking publicly to a large group for about an hour….. you get the idea. And ALL of these tasks require changes in pitch during the voice use (which alters the number of times the VFs vibrate per second). VOCAL DOSE is essentially the MAGNITUDE of accumulated (VF) vibrations over time. This is not even taking into consideration AMPLITUDE (loudness) which will also affect vocal dose, vocal fatigue, and/or vocal effort as well (especially over time). 

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As an OCCUPATIONAL and/or PROFESSIONAL VOICE USER, it is extremely important to understand the meaning of VOCAL DOSE—and it’s specific meaning related to your particular “vocal life”.  When we realize this, it’s easy to appreciate the possible (direct) impact on your overall vocal endurance and longevity… & obviously vocal health and vocal quality. Take a closer look at your VOCAL DEMANDS and your VOCAL SCHEDULE (are you aware of how to create this?)...AND also understand the importance of creating and upholding a manageable and sustainable VOCAL BUDGET (do you know what this is and how it can help you?)...

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SO much power is in your “vocal hands” to PRIORITIZE YOUR VOICE. 

...the more ya know!! (#letsgo)!!

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#voxfit #tuesdaytossup #voice #vocalfitness #bevocallyfit #occupationalvoiceuser  #vocalhealth #vocalwellness #prioritizeyourvoice #protectyourvoice #healthyvoice #educationispower #singer #fitnessinstructor #publicspeaker #speechpathologist #voicespecialist #awareness #beproactive #vocaldose #frequency #amplitude #vocalschedule #vocalbudget #advocateforyourvoice

HUMP DAY HEALTH:  EXHALE

Right now...wherever you are...just let go and EXHALE… Feel the freedom and the flow of air and the release of tension to somewhere outside your body. It’s very important to stop and release whatever may be held inside of you so it does not accumulate and manifest into physical tension, pain, or stress…and/or negatively impact your health and wellness. All of this will also have an impact on voice use patterns, quality, and function. 

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Make it a habit to notice if you are breathholding at any point in your day and decide to release that tension by letting out an easy exhale like you’re blowing out a candle. Visualize an open and relaxed throat and no effort involved in this exhale; your focus should be on your lips and the air coming out of your mouth and flowing in front of you. Then, breathe in through your nose (as you visualize filling up your belly with air and ensure no movement in the chest/shoulder region)...and then repeat. This cyclic breathing will not only relax you but promote healthy and efficient breathing, redirect focus/tension out of your throat, provide humidified/hydrated AND filtered air to your vocal folds, and assist you in releasing tension you may be holding in your body or mind. 

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Active efforts towards recoordinating your breathing patterns,  relaxing your body and mind, and calming any tension or anxiety will do  wonders for your physical body, mind, soul, and voice.

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#voxfit #voice #exhale #releasethetension #voicefitness #speechpathologist #voicespecialist #peace  #occupationalvoiceuser #vocalinstrument #vocalhealth #mentalhealth #spiritualhealth #physicalhealth #breathflow #vocalwellness #humpdayhealth #justbreathe 

PRIORITIZE YOUR VOICE!  

It’s Prioritize Your Voice Friday… So how are you prioritizing your voice today? And everyday? As an OCCUPATIONAL VOICE USER, it should be one of your top priorities! 
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Shouldn’t PRIORITIZING your voice be high on your list?!
What do you need to know to keep your voice healthy?  You should understand how the voice works, how to protect and care for your voice, and how to use your voice and entire vocal mechanism in the most efficient, effective, and dynamic ways possible.  
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I’m super PASSIONATE about this population of voice users (I’m one and most of you are too), and am HERE TO HELP! Reach out with any questions, concerns, or if you’d like to work together.
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#voxfit #desiretoinspire  #aspiretoinspire  #changelives #radiateconfidence #vocalinstrument #voice #voicefitness #vocalfitness #voicesfittoinspire #vocalathlete #occupationalvoiceuser #speechpathology #voicespecialist #teacher #instructor #fitnessinstructor #singer #performer #emcee #gamehost #clergy #sales #coach #speechpathologist #voicetherapy #voicedisorders #prioritizeyourvoice