Staying Healthy as a Voice Actor: Protect Your Voice and Your Business

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Your Health Is Your Business

Running a voice over business means taking care of more than just your bookings and marketing—it means taking care of yourself. Unlike traditional jobs that offer sick days, voice actors don’t have that luxury. Your voice is your product, and staying healthy is essential for keeping your business moving forward. Whether it’s a simple cold or something more serious, protecting your voice is key to maintaining your career.

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A strong voice starts with a healthy body—take care of both to keep your career moving forward.

Stay Calm and Take Action

It’s easy to panic when you feel the first signs of illness, but stress only makes things worse. The first step is to stay calm and avoid over-Googling your symptoms (we’ve all been there). Take a few deep breaths to reset and focus on what you can control. Diaphragmatic breathing not only helps relax your mind but also keeps your vocal cords in top shape.

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Be Prepared with Your Voice Care Kit

Every voice actor should have a go-to set of remedies to help combat illness and keep their voice in top shape. Stock up on essentials like herbal teas, honey, zinc lozenges, sugar-free cough drops, and lemons. One thing that always makes me feel better when I am under the weather is herbal tea - I LOVE Darlenes's Roobios Tea - it's naturally decaffeinated and is full of beneficial vitamins, and it always soothes my sore throat. My favorite flavors are the Blueberry Bang Rooibos, Bourbon Street Vanilla Rooibos, and Georgia Peach Rooibos! They are also great iced.

Keep throat sprays, humidifiers, and essential oils handy to soothe and protect your voice. The key is to have these on hand before you need them, so you’re ready to fight off anything that comes your way.

To stay ahead of vocal fatigue, try Anne’s VOcal Essentials line of essential oil-based products. The VOcal Wellness Kit™ includes VOcal Throat Spray to soothe irritation, VOcal Immunity Blast to help fight off early cold symptoms, VOcal Booth Breeze for a refreshing cool-down during long sessions, and VOcal H20 to enhance the taste of your hydration without artificial ingredients. Keep your voice ready for anything with these trusted essentials!

VOcal Wellness Kit ™

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Know When to Call the Doctor

Taking care of your voice means knowing when to rest and when to seek professional help. If your voice isn’t bouncing back, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor—especially if you rely on your voice for your income. Telehealth has made it easier than ever to get medical advice without leaving home, making it a great option for voice actors who need quick answers.

Be Honest with Clients

If you’re sick and can’t perform at your best, honesty is the best policy. Most clients will understand if you communicate early and professionally. Voice over is a long-term business, and building trust with clients is more important than pushing through a job when you’re not at your best. Protect your reputation by being upfront about delays and focusing on quality over quick turnarounds.

Work Around Your Voice

Even if your voice isn’t at 100%, there are still ways to stay productive. Use downtime to catch up on marketing, update your website, organize your invoices, or plan new content. A day without recording doesn’t have to be a lost day—it can be an opportunity to strengthen your business in other ways.

Keep Healthy Habits Year-Round

Staying healthy isn’t just about recovering from illness—it’s about preventing it in the first place. Keep up with habits like washing your hands frequently, staying hydrated, using a humidifier, and getting plenty of rest. Your voice is your most valuable asset, and taking care of it should always be a top priority.

Prioritize Your Health for a Stronger Voice Over Business

Your voice over career depends on your health, so don’t take it for granted. By being proactive, staying prepared, and knowing when to rest, you can keep your voice in top condition and your business running smoothly. Remember, your voice is only as strong as the care you give it—so treat it well!