This exercise triggers relaxed breathing which paves the way for the body to relax.
sit on an armless chair.
breathe in deeply from the diaphragm 10 times
breathe out forcefully, deflating like a balloon
flop forward at the head and neck
gradually flop forward more and more with each out breath letting the shoulders and arms fall further and further forward until you hang limply from the waist like a rag doll.
hang there for a minute or two and then come up very slowly.
rest your head back on the chair and breathe slowly, gently and easily with your hands resting limply and lightly on your lap.
sit like this relaxed and still for a while - four minutes will reduce pulse and blood pressure.
Take a deep breath when ready to be alert and engage the world, free from tension.
When rag doll is perfected just the memory of it can be used to relax instantly.