How To Release Tension When Singing

I have experienced deep shame around the tension that has occurred over the years in my singing.

It used to frustrate the heck out of me. 

Just when I would think, "I’ve got a handle on this!", something stressful in my life would happen and then it would show up in my body.

And then when it did, I tried with all my might to let that go.

And that just made it worse.

And have you ever noticed that the harder you try... the harder singing becomes?

Ironically, that "working hard" only created more tension.

Eventually I realized something that completely changed the way I approach singing:

More effort isn't always the answer. Sometimes the answer is less interference.

Our bodies are incredibly wise.

When your brain senses stress- whether it's an audition, singing in front of your church choir, recording yourself, or simply trying to "get it right"- your nervous system naturally wants to protect you.

Your muscles brace.

It isn't because you're doing something wrong.

It's because your body thinks it's helping.

So instead of asking,

"Why can't I relax?"

Try asking:

"What can I let go of?"

Here are a few simple things you can experiment with this week:

→ Before you sing, do a slow body scan. See if you can soften those places that need softening before jumping into vocal exercises.

→ Notice where you habitually hold tension. Is it your jaw? Tongue? Neck? Shoulders? Hands? Notice it, and then span out. Bring your awareness to your whole body.

→ Try displacing the tension by bringing awareness to another part of your body, like your legs or your hips.

→ Use SOVT time as a way to notice how relaxed your body is when making those sounds. Notice the ease with which your body produces sound. (This is how I released tongue tension I thought I'd never get rid of.) Don't forget about that SOVT warmup video in your free Joyful Singing Starter Kit!

→ If a phrase feels difficult, see what happens when you sing it more softly before adding volume.

→ Add gentle movement: swaying, walking, or using physical gestures like arm circles while you sing- this can help interrupt unnecessary tension.

→ And perhaps most importantly...Talk to yourself with curiosity instead of criticism.

Your inner critic says,

"Why are you so tense again?"

Your wise inner coach says,

"Interesting...my body's protecting me today. What might help me feel safe?"

Your voice doesn't need an inner dictator demanding perfection.... It needs the conditions where it feels safe to emerge.

This week, if you notice tension creeping in, don't make it mean you're failing.

Instead, simply ask yourself:

Am I supporting the sound...or am I squeezing the sound? And what can I do to facilitate the helpful kind of support and let the rest go?

If you'd like to go deeper, I unpack why tension happens in the first place and share 11 practical ways to create more ease and freedom in your singing in this week's episode of The Joyful Singer Podcast, "How to Release Tension When Singing (11 Tips for a Freer Voice)." If tension in your jaw, tongue, neck, or body has ever made singing feel harder than it needs to, I think this episode will give you both practical tools and a completely new way of thinking about what's happening in your body. I can't wait for you to hear it!