Stress is quite a harmful disease and should be dealt with as soon as you notice it creeping in. Not to forget, stress can also lead to heart diseases, restlessness, depression, etc. Exercising and relaxation are two ways how you can manage stress. And while you might think you know relaxation means cycling, running and walking, it's not just that. There are many types of relaxation techniques you might not know of but are quite helpful in fixing your stress levels. So, you need to know about these lesser known relaxation techniques that you can put to use to bring your mind at peace.

They say laughter is the best medicine. Sometimes a little giggling can help shift your mindset in a matter of seconds. Laughter has been found to be a great stress reliever. It can lighten your mood and have an impact on your body in a positive way. Laughter can aid muscle relaxation and stimulate your organs.

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A simple prayer can help you in powerful moments during hard times. Say a prayer silently or phrase while also focusing on your breath. Repetitive prayer can be especially meaningful for those who are religious or spiritual. However, anyone can practise it during times of stress. Prayer offers people hope and allows them to feel like their not alone, which can help one feel more relaxed.

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Take a few deep breaths to enter a state of calm. Next, put the focus on your body. Pay attention to physical tension. This quick scan can help you become better aware of the strong connection between your mind and body. This technique can be especially useful for those who have body image issues.

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The simplest way to relax is to chew a gum. Simple, isn't it? Chewing a gum helps in relieving anxiety and reduce stress as well. Be it a workplace or home, you can keep chewing on a gum for a while and it'll relax you eventually.

Once you have a hobby, you can take breaks from your routine and invest some time in doing what you love. It de-stresses you quite well. It's also considered as a form of relaxation technique and you're not thinking or stressing about work in that moment. Also, since a hobby is something that you like doing, it makes you feel better about yourself.

Being in nature helps you de-stressing and a lot of us have experienced it too. You can very much do that at home by simply bringing plants at home where you can water them, talk to them, smell them and touch them too. This helps in reducing the psychological and physiological stress that's built in your body.

This one is a neturopathic technique which makes use of water in any forms - water, ice or a stream. It can be external or internal where you can relax your mind and treat some conditions. The water is used at various pressure, duration, temperature and site. Water at different temperatures can alter the mood as well as body's physiology.

Here, essential oils distilled from plants are absorbed through the nose by inhalation or through the pores of the skin during massage. Aromatherapy helps a lot of people who are healthy and even otherwise. It helps you relax, feel more positive and relieves anxiety.

This relaxation technique is also referred to as Chinese yoga and has been practiced since a lot of years. It is where you practice slow graceful movements with mental concentration and breathing. You can try qigong to relieve anxiety and stress.