Sing like a car

I would not try to fuel my car by shifting gears. But as a new singer I did just that. Like many people, I tried to use muscles in my face and jaw to create sound.
My students learn that the body is made to sing using three different mechanisms:

1. Breathing (fuel pump)
2. Vocal Chords, (engine)
3. Face & Mouth, (gears)

The more mastery there is over breathing, the more choice a singer has in the range and volume of sounds they make. What's the best way to gain mastery over breathing? Practice!
Whether or not your life goals include singing, practicing extended exhales can bring inner steadiness. Start with the humming sound "mmmmmmmmmm." After a relaxed in breath, send a hum out on any tone (there is no ‘correct’ pitch) and keep going for as long as you like. When finished, enjoy the relative silence of your simple breaths.
This PDF can help you remember to try this whenever you have a spare minute and a need for peace. (Playful Mindful Stress Tamers).
Looking for more support with singing?  Right now I have openings in my online studio, and am working on a central online portal for singers (hear our in-person recordings here).