Wellness Profile with the opera singer, Hila Fahima!

Q: What gets you out of bed in the morning?
A: The idea of doing the thing I love to do most.

Q: What inspires you to do what you do?
A: The music world was always one of my biggest loves. Since childhood I felt so touched and inspired by listening to a good singer who was very expressive. I feel like I received a gift, so I have to appreciate and use it as much as I can, and also touch people with my singing and music.

Q: Describe a daily routine that makes you feel great.
A: I wake up at 10am (maybe later) with my fiancé, and we enjoy some coffee and breakfast.
Then I take a nice walk around the park, get some fresh air. Then I come back home, and start warming up my voice. I like having an early dinner before I go to the opera to sing a show.

Q: What is one habit would you like to change?
A: I would be happy to be less strict with myself...and be more forgiving towards myself.

Q: What do you do if you feel like you're in a practice rut?
A: I always try to expand the research and study of a role with a completely different style than the original. For example: If I have to learn a role by Donizetti which is an Italian bell canto, I will try to sing it in a style that is in between some Mozart Or Händel, just for fun.

Q: How do you "get back on the horse" if you get out of your routine?
A: Just like in sports, after a break, the muscles needs time to get back in shape... it has to be gradual, everyday a little bit more, and eventually it will get easier. You don’t built a house in one day, and technique takes some time to set.

Q: Do you exercise regularly? If yes, what do you do and how often?
A: Almost every day.. I have to be in good shape to perform roles very often. I do lots of breath exercises, exercise (very healthy for singing too), and sleep enough (very important). This routine allows me to sing every day without getting tired.

Q: What do you eat before concerts/performances?
A: I like eating meat and vegetables, but not burger and french fries. I prefer to stick to healthy foods than to heavy ones.

Q: How to you manage your anxiety or daily stress?
A: Taking breaks: coffee in the middle of the day, nap for half an hour, walk in the park, sports, baking, cooking... :) things that keep my head a bit away is good sometimes.

Q: What was the most important mantra/lesson/idea you learned in the last couple of years?
A: Keep dreaming, believe you can get your dreams and work hard. You’ll get there.

Q: What's the best piece of advice you've been given?
A: Love my ‘me time’. As a singer and an artist we have to spend time traveling alone to new cities, without knowing anyone. My teacher told me to prepare myself for this lifestyle, that can get pretty lonely profession. Liking to spend time with yourself is important.

Q: Before going to bed, what do you do to wind down?
A: Good question.. it doesn't always work for me :) I tend to overthink at night. Sometimes I have my music playing in my head, and it’s hard to turn it off. I try to watch some funny TV shows.

Q: How do you find a balance between your music life and career and your personal life?
A: My private life is super important to me, and although my fiancé and I are both very busy and invested in our careers, we insist on finding time off and go to the gym 2-3 times a week together, travel every month for a weekend somewhere, and keep some evenings free (except when I have a show, and then he comes to see me at the opera)

Q: What helps you focus?
A: When I know someone I love sits in the audience, I do my best. That's also makes the show (most of the time) more successful.

Check out Hila's upcoming performances: http://www.hilafahima.com/