Is there a more practical way to learn to relax?

To practice the first step of relaxation, imagine that you have a balloon inside your abdomen. Each time you breathe in, imagine that the balloon is being filled with air. Each time you breathe out, imagine the balloon collapsing. Using your right hand, you can even push your abdomen to squeeze as much air out of the balloon as you possibly can. Before going to the next step, simply breathe in and out several times, allowing the balloon to expand and contract.