Hi @starhack
Variation on the shaking method, is to ''grasp the thermometer firmly'' round about the middle of the thermometer and with the bulb end pointing outwards, raise your arm to just below the horizontal position.
Then swing your arm down quickly and when the thermometer is pointing straight down, stop. Do this several times.
Make sure that there's clearance so that you don't hit anything with the thermometer and also don't let go ;-)