'way to' + infinitive vs. 'way of' + gerund

[Nicole]

Hi, can anyone of you please tell me how to use the noun way in connection with a verb properly. Yesterday I heard the following phrase by Richard Quest of CNN:

... there are plenty of other ways to relax...

Now, would it be also correct to say:

... there are plenty of other ways of relaxing...?

And if so what is the difference between both constructions.
Thank you my English language tutors!
Nicole
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Life is for living.

[Jamie (K)]

I think those sentences mean nearly the same thing. However, I get a slightly different feeling from the infinitive and the gerund.

When I hear "ways to relax", it sounds to me as if there is an intention. "Hmm. I need to relax. What method should I use?" So, "ways to relax" sounds to me like "methods used for the intentional purpose of relaxation". To me, a way to relax would be something like hydrotherapy, massage or some hobby done because the person has consciously thought, "I need to relax."

When I hear "ways of relaxing", it sounds to me like "styles of relaxing". It sounds less intentional, and as if the person just informally falls into a certain style when he relaxes. I think of a guy coming home from work, letting out a sigh, popping open a beer, and watching TV. He might also do a hobby, but whatever activity he chooses, it's not a self-conscious choice for the conscious purpose of relaxing.

This is the feeling I get, but I'll bet that some people won't perceive a difference, and in some cases I know I even I don't notice much of a difference between use of the gerund and the infinitive.