what are some simple techniques one can use to relax?

Try some breathing exercises.  Try alternate nostril breathing.  It is something that can be learned quickly and that you can take five minutes to do at any time in your day.

Alternate Nostril Breathing produces optimum function to both sides of the brain: that is optimum creativity and optimum logical verbal activity. This also creates a more balanced person, since both halves of the brain are functioning property.   Yogis consider this to be the best technique to calm the mind and the nervous system. 

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/735686/alternate_nostril_breathing_nadi_sodhana/

Medical science has recently discovered the nasal cycle, something that was known by the yogis thousands of years ago, corresponds with brain function. Scientists have recently found that we don't breathe equally with both nostrils, that one nostril is much easier to breathe through than the other at any particular time and that this alternates about every three hours. The electrical activity of the brain was found to be greater on the side opposite the less congested nostril. The right side of the brain controls creative activity, while the left side controls logical verbal activity.  Research shows that when the left nostril was less obstructed, the right side of the brain was predominant. Test subjects were indeed found to do better on creative tests. Similarly when the right nostril was less obstructed the left side of the brain was predominant. Test subjects did better on verbal skills.

Margaret Kennedy

Director

Absolute Relaxation

info@absoluterelaxation.vpweb.ie