Here’s a staple technique that gives a simple respite from your day.

This 5 minute period of rest can do a great deal to regenerate the body or calm you.  I learned it back in school in a performing class as a kid and have seen it used with meditation, yoga, stress reduction classes and many others.  It's so simple I wonder why we don't use it more!  When I was super busy in my late twenties, I would do this between school and work so that I would feel recharged. 

Start by  lying on your back on a hard surface.  A carpeted floor is great.  Arms are relaxed at side and legs are straight and relaxed.  The object is to tighten up every muscle that you can consciously do from the feet up.  Toes flexing and pointing, thighs squeezing and releasing, same with seat, hands, arms, etc.  We finish with the face by squeezing it tight and pursing lips.  

The idea is to completely relax each muscle once we have tightened it.  Finally, take some nice deep breaths and allow your back and body to sink into the hard surface.  I like to stay here and rest a little bit to relax the mind.  Slowly bring everything back to an energized state and get on with your day.