The "Rag Doll" is a wonderful little 2-minute technique you can do almost anywhere when you need refreshment and relief from tension.
It's great when you have been staring at a computer screen for a long time, or for a break from prolonged physical activity.
I have used it while waiting for a friend to get care in a hospital emergency room, while gardening, baking endless dozens of Christmas cookies, waxing the car, and especially when I'm doing a big round of house cleaning.
After you read the brief instructions below, give it a try.
If you're at all like others with whom I've shared it, you'll be surprised and delighted at the instantaneous physical relaxation and mental clarity it gives you.
Here's how it goes: Stand with your feet should width apart and you knees slightly bent.
Bend over at the waist as far as you comfortably can, letting your arms dangle towards the floor.
Now pretending that you are a rag doll hanging from the crook of a little girl's arm, gently bounce your head and arms as if the little girl holding you was walking.
Just gently flop , allowing your arms to softly swing and your head to turn from side to side to side.
..
(Personally, I like to imagine that the little girl is singing.
"Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" used to be my imaginary girl's song of choice.
But lately I've noticed she likes the Ren and Stimpy "Happy-Happy-Joy-Joy" you hear featured in the current round of Sara Lee TV commercials.
) Feel the tension leaving your neck and shoulders as you continue to effortlessly bounce and flop for about moment or so.
If you're really enjoying the sensations, it's fine to go a little longer.
Let yourself stop bouncing, and then, to a nice deep inhale, slowly straighten yourself up, stacking up one vertebra at a time until you're upright.
You might want to bend into a little backwards stretch, too, although that's optional.
Then exhale, smile, and carry on.
That's it.
Do it now!You'll love it.
Pass it on!