Many times short people, especially men, are passed over for a promotion or rejected for dates. It may not seem fair, but society usually judges others by first impressions. Being just a few inches taller can do wonders for one’s self-esteem and confidence, not to mention appearing more attractive and being taken more seriously. If someone happens to be shorter than average, there are a few things that can correct this.
Improving Posture to Appear Taller
Standing straight and practicing good posture techniques can lengthen the spine, adding at least an inch to overall height. Without realizing it, most people tend to slouch, making them look shorter.
Form new habits of standing taller by pulling your shoulders back, gently holding your stomach in and looking straight ahead. Next, imagine that there’s a string attached to the top of your head which is connected to the ceiling. Stand up straight, keeping your spine long. This may feel awkward and forced in the beginning, but in time it will seem like second nature and appear much more natural.
Daily stretching can also help to lengthen the spine and strengthen the back, stomach muscles, and obliques. Having a firm back and abdomen can improve posture and help one stand taller.
A simple stretching exercise is to stand with your back against the wall and raise your arms over your head, fingertips reaching toward the ceiling. Stand up on tiptoes and hold this posture for a count of ten. Slowly lower your arms and stand flat on your feet then repeat the exercise for a total of ten repetitions.
Wearing Taller Shoes
Two of the simplest ways to look an inch or more taller is to purchase shoes with heels. Women have an easier time with this since ladies shoes can have heels up to six inches tall. Men can buy dress shoes and running shoes that have one-inch soles. For those who don’t like wearing shoes with heels, special insoles can be purchased. These go inside shoes in the heel area and are an inch thick, adding to overall height without being visible.
By following each of the above suggestions, shorter people can look up to three inches taller, without spending a lot of time or money. Increasing one's height can help with career confidence, the dating world, and life in general.
Resources:
How To Get Taller, "Can Yoga Increase Your Height?" (accessed February 09, 2010).
Grow Taller Secrets, "The Best Stretching Exercises To Increase Height." (accessed February 09, 2010).
Kelly Wallace - Kelly is a seasoned freelance writer, multi-published author, radio show host, teacher, speaker and highly acclaimed intuitive ...
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