What if I told you there’s a place where you can go and break things to release your anger without judgment or consequences? Sounds too good to be true, but that’s 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 life’s 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 it’s a sanctuary for those looking to break away from life’s pressures. And I do mean it – the last time I went there, I tried my hands on everything from shattering glass, to demolishing electronics, and obliterating ceramics. I love how it’s 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 – 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 life’s frustrations, stress, and anxiety, substituting traditional coping mechanisms with something more visceral and immediate, apart from being surprisingly therapeutic.
And if you don’t like the gym, this can be bit of a workout too, aiding in the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators. It’s 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 interviewed Dr. Peter Hinz, the Founder, Chiropractor, and Certified Acupuncturist at Cool Springs Chiropractic, on rage rooms fitting into broader conversations about mental health and alternative therapeutic practices. Here is what he said:
“Rage 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 of 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. By engaging in 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 who find it challenging 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 mental health’s diverse needs, promoting a more inclusive approach to emotional well-being.”
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 – well, anything that you won’t 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 – 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.
Rebekah Jones, 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:
“I 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 to the process of releasing some of that energy healthily.
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.
Now that rage rooms are far more accessible, I 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 or would journal about it and discuss the journal entry in our next session.
Anger is an energy and a secondary emotion. This means that anger shows up to protect us from emotions that result in feeling vulnerable. If I am sad, scared, hurt, embarrassed, or ashamed, I will instead feel angry. This 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 needs that are leading to the emotion.”
What You’ll 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 you’re 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 haven’t 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 you’re 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 heart’s content. Offering themed rooms and an extensive selection of breakables, it’s 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 interviewed Steve Carleton, LCSW, CAS, Chief Clinical Officer at Porch Light Health, on this. Here is what he had to say:
“People can visit rage rooms to break or destroy things when they are frustrated, stressed, or angry about something.
Mostly, people pay for their entry into such rooms and are provided with a variety of objects like glasses, furniture, and electronics and they 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 a larger 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 that conventional therapies should be replaced with rage rooms; it only means that while undergoing treatment individuals 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 into one’s overall mental health management plan.
I believe it is important to incorporate conversations on other types of treatments such as alternative therapy practices which include speaking about rage rooms within wider frameworks of mental well-being.
It allows more tolerance and appreciation of different ways people find solace from psychogenic pain.”
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, don’t 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 – 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 you’re looking to visit a rage room to reserve your time slot – 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 you’d 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; it’s about breaking through emotional barriers and finding peace in the chaos.
Guest Author: Saket Kumar
Last Updated on May 13, 2024 by Saket
