Why Do You Look Shorter After a Long Day?

I'm excited to kick off today's tutorial on back stretches that can help you look taller. Have you ever noticed that after a long day of standing or sitting, you seem to lose an inch or two in height? Don't worry, that's totally normal and fixable!

The culprit behind this phenomenon is the compression of fluid in your spinal discs. When you stand or sit for extended periods, gravity compresses fluid out of these discs, causing them to flatten. This leads to a temporary decrease in height. However, with the right techniques, you can reverse this compression and regain your height.

Let's dive into some effective back stretches that will help you look taller and fix the compression of fluid in your spinal discs.

Illustration of a person doing a standing back stretch

Illustration of a person doing a cat-cow stretch

Standing Back Extension

One of the best back stretches to counteract the compression of fluid and make you look taller is the standing back extension.

To perform this stretch, start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands on your hips, palms facing forward. Inhale deeply and engage your core. Slowly arch your back, lifting your chest towards the ceiling. Hold this position for 10-15 seconds while maintaining a gentle stretch in your lower back. Exhale and release the stretch. Repeat 3-5 times.

The standing back extension helps elongate your spine, decompresses your spinal discs, and stretches the muscles in your back. Incorporate this stretch into your daily routine to combat the effects of gravity and improve your posture.

Illustration of a person performing a standing back extension

Cat-Cow Stretch

Another great stretch for relieving the compression of fluid in your spinal discs is the cat-cow stretch.

Start on all fours with your hands aligned under your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Inhale and lift your chin towards the ceiling, arching your back and dropping your belly towards the floor. This is the cow pose. Exhale and tuck your chin towards your chest, rounding your back and pulling your belly in. This is the cat pose. Flow between these two poses, synchronizing your breath with the movement. Repeat 8-10 times.

The cat-cow stretch helps to mobilize your spine, increase flexibility, and relieve tension in your back. It also improves blood circulation to the spinal discs, aiding in their hydration and overall health.

Illustration of a person performing a cat-cow stretch

Additional Tips to Look Taller

In addition to incorporating these back stretches into your routine, here are some additional tips to help you look taller:

1. Practice good posture: Stand and sit with your shoulders back and your spine straight.

2. Strengthen your core: A strong core supports proper posture and prevents slouching.

3. Wear the right shoes: Opt for shoes with a slight heel or arch support to improve your posture.

4. Stretch regularly: Incorporate other stretching exercises, such as forward folds and chest openers, to maintain flexibility and relieve tension in your entire body.

By implementing these tips and regularly practicing back stretches, you can not only fix the compression of fluid but also improve your overall posture, making you look taller and more confident.