What if I told you thereโs a place where you can go and break things to release your anger without judgment or consequences? Sounds too good to be true, but thatโs exactly the concept behind Rage Rooms in Vancouver. The idea taps into a simple premise: breaking things to release pent-up emotions.
Rage rooms or anger rooms are controlled spaces where people can take out their lifeโs frustrations and let go by smashing objects. Though it may seem like pure destruction, this experience is a form of stress relief and emotional liberation for many.
Why Should You Go to a Rage Room?
I would say itโs a sanctuary for those looking to break away from lifeโs pressures. And I do mean it โ the last time I went there, I tried my hands on everything from shattering glass, to demolishing electronics, and obliterating ceramics. I love how itโs a physical space where mental and emotional release is encouraged by breaking items.
If you think that is not enticing enough though, I would say a rage room is not right for you. But I do love how the activity helps you take out your frustration and reduce stress and anxiety levels. They are an alternative outlet for people to show frustrations, let loose steam, and destroy all sorts of items. Like my friends tried their hands at smashing dishes, furniture, and appliances using baseball bats or sledgehammers.
People are drawn to these rooms to relax and unwind rather than sit down for meditation or take deep breaths โ and you do get safety gear and the freedom to smash everyday objects ranging from computer screens to dishware. I found this to be a unique way to deal with lifeโs frustrations, stress, and anxiety, substituting traditional coping mechanisms with something more visceral and immediate, apart from being surprisingly therapeutic.
And if you donโt like the gym, this can be bit of a workout too, aiding in the release of endorphins, the bodyโs natural mood elevators. Itโs a chance to step out of routine, experience something new, and emerge feeling lighter and rejuvenated.
Photo by cottonbro studio on pexels
The Canada Hustle team interviewedย Dr. Peter Hinz, the Founder, Chiropractor, and Certified Acupuncturist atย Cool Springs Chiropractic, on rage rooms fitting into broader conversations about mental health and alternative therapeutic practices. Here is what he said:
โRage rooms have emerged as a unique method for managing stress and anxiety, providing an unconventional yet effective form of emotional release.
Personally, and from observations within my patient community, I believe these spaces offer a controlled environment where individuals can physically express their frustrations without judgment or repercussions.
The act ofย breaking objects, shouting, and other forms of cathartic release in rage rooms can significantly lower stress levels, offering immediate relief.
The effectiveness of rage rooms lies in their ability to provide a physical outlet for emotional turmoil.ย By engaging inย activities that are generally deemed unacceptable in society, such as breaking things, participants can express their anger and frustration in a safe and controlled setting.
This physical expression of emotions can be particularly beneficial for individuals whoย find it challengingย to articulate their feelings verbally.
Integrating rage rooms into the broader mental health discourse introduces a novel perspective on managing emotional health. They serve as a reminder that there are multiple avenues through which individuals can seek relief from stress and anxiety.
Rage rooms complement traditional therapeutic practices by offering an alternative for those who might not respond as well to conventional methods.
They underscore the importance of acknowledging and addressing mentalย healthโsย diverse needs, promoting a more inclusive approach to emotional well-being.โ
Here is what me and My Friends took to the Rage Room
Same brought over a defunct keyboard and Lisa, a picture frame that no longer brings joy. You could bring anything you want too โ well, anything that you wonโt regret breaking. I suggest going for items that symbolize what you wish to let go of or break things that simply seem satisfying to break. You can wear pretty much what you want, just know that things could get dirty, so I recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants. There is one thing I strongly suggest though โ wear closed-toed shoes, as they will protect your feet from any sharp debris.
Since things can get noisy, get an auxiliary cable is ready for use, that allows you to play your own music or chosen soundtrack. Music can be a powerful motivator and enhance the smashing experience. Many rage rooms will also provide this to you on their own.
Rebekahย Jones,ย Trauma Therapist, shared her views on how rage rooms aid stress relief and fit into mental health discussions. Here is an excerpt from the interview:
โIย work with a high trauma population, which in turn means that I work with people whose bodies hold a great deal of internalized energy. Rage rooms have proven an excellent contribution toย the process ofย releasing some of that energy healthily.ย
Before the increased prevalence of rage rooms, I would take clients out to a safe outdoor space and allow them to throw rocks and yell about whatever came to them as they released their energy. We would then sit and process their emotions.ย
Now that rage rooms are far more accessible, Iย sometimes assign attending one as a homework assignment for my clients. They would either do a telehealth session once they got home from the event orย wouldย journal about it and discuss the journal entry in our next session.
Anger is an energy and a secondary emotion.ย Thisย meansย that anger shows up to protect us fromย emotions that result in feeling vulnerable.ย If I am sad, scared, hurt, embarrassed, or ashamed, I will instead feel angry.ย Thisย is a biological mechanism that developed to protect us.
However, it also harms us emotionally. Releasing the energy associated with anger is one way to move past the anger and into the primary emotion so that we might identify and address our unmet needsย that areย leading to the emotion.โ
What Youโll Love
With everything now said, what are the top rage rooms in Vancouver?
1. Smash Therapy
Smash Therapy is where we went to, and one of the popular rage room destinations in Vancouver. Boasting a diverse range of items to destroy, from plates to printers, Smash Therapy offers sessions tailored to individual needs. Whether youโre blowing off steam solo or with a group, their welcoming atmosphere and affordable prices make it a go-to spot for stress relief.
2. OutRaged Rage Vancouver
While I havenโt tried this one yet, online reviews say that OutRaged Rage Vancouver ensures a satisfying and adrenaline-pumping experience and offers a good variety of smashable objects. Whether youโre dealing with work stress or personal frustrations, their expertly crafted rage rooms provide an outlet for all.
3. Exit Anger
Exit Anger is another place to go, and my friends say that you can shatter, smash, and break to your heartโs content. Offering themed rooms and an extensive selection of breakables, itโs the perfect place to let loose and decompress. Whether you prefer taking out your anger with a baseball bat or a sledgehammer, Exit Room in Vancouver can be a good place to go to.
We interviewedย Steve Carleton, LCSW, CAS, Chief Clinical Officer atย Porch Light Health, on this.ย Here is what he had to say:
โPeople can visit rage rooms to break or destroy things whenย they areย frustrated, stressed, or angry about something.
Mostly, people pay for their entry into such rooms andย are providedย with a variety of objects like glasses, furniture, and electronicsย andย theyย use these tools: baseball bats, crowbars, or hammers to smash them.
The concept behind rage rooms is that they provide an outlet for pent-up emotions and daily pressure in the form of an experience that is cathartic and stress-relieving. Such unusual entertainments like this become popular as rage rooms have been over the past few years.
In my view, I think that rage rooms are part of aย largerย trend toward embracing diverse therapeutic approaches that cater to individual needs. They defy common beliefs regarding mental health care through unconventional yet effective coping mechanisms.
With mental health discussions becoming more open and nuanced every day, rage rooms help us realize what therapeutic practices can mean.
It does not mean thatย conventional therapies should be replacedย with rage rooms; it only means that while undergoing treatmentย individualsย may alleviate their conditions by using these spaces as physical outlets for stress and anxiety.
Responsible use of these areas requires understanding how they fit intoย oneโsย overall mental health management plan.
I believe it isย importantย to incorporate conversations on other types of treatmentsย suchย as alternative therapy practicesย whichย include speaking about rage rooms withinย widerย frameworks of mental well-being.
It allows more tolerance and appreciation of different ways people find solace from psychogenic pain.โ
Final Tips from Me When You Go to a Rage Room
In addition to clothing, wearing the right protective gear is essential. All rage rooms in Vancouver provide helmets and other safety equipment to shield you from harm while you engage in smashing fun. Also, donโt forget to listen to the staff brief before you begin, which includes guidelines on how to break items correctly and what areas are designated for smashing. A word of caution though โ know that debris can be unpredictable. So, keep a safe distance from others and be mindful of where you swing.
I would also recommend that if youโre looking to visit a rage room to reserve your time slot โ especially during the weekends. To guarantee a spot, booking ahead is recommended, especially for groups or during peak times.
Also, set your expectations right. For instance, I have seen that the basic package in these rage rooms only includes a set number of items to smash. So, if youโd like more, you can bring them along for an additional disposal fee. This way, you can smash stuff until your heart is content. The experience here is more than breaking things; itโs about breaking through emotional barriers and finding peace in the chaos.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Saket
