Recently there has been a rise in popularity of unconventional spaces called “rage rooms” which offer a unique way of relieving stress.
These rooms, filled with a variety of things like old TVs, plates, mugs, chairs and more make the participants release pent-up tension by smashing these objects using baseball bats or other tools.
However, behind the growing fascination of rage rooms are statistics that reveal a larger concern: stress levels in America have skyrocketed.
Looking closer at the phenomenon, over the past year curiosity about rage rooms has increased beyond what was predicted through social media searches doubling this year when compared to the previous one.
Nevertheless, as interest in them continues to grow, research and professionals warn against seeing rage rooms as a long-term solution for managing stress.
Recent research conducted by American Psychological Association revealed alarming figures whereby 25% of adults had stress levels between 8 and 10 out of 10.
In this respect, it is urgently necessary to find effective ways to relieve stress in an increasingly anxious and tense society.
Opposite to what might look like an increased interest with rage room, empirical evidence does not back up their effectiveness as reliable stress relief remedies.
Clinical psychologist and author Chloe Carmichael recommends rage rooms for people who have a long history of breaking things and need to find some harmless way to do so. However, she does not specifically support or recommend it for beginners who are just starting to look at other stress management options.
The attention that has been given to rage rooms is overdone, and there is show off on TV where someone gets an interview.
What professionals are calling for are ways of addressing anger or anxiety caused by stressors that are sustainable and meaningful.
Chloe Carmichael explains how important it is to recognize what is making us unhappy and learn how to make them less part of our life.
From the numerous alternatives put forward by specialists, participating in physical activities like going to the gym or joining boxing classes as a means to minimize the intensity of emotions related to surplus energy has been identified as helpful.
Physical exercise assists both in consuming the extra energy as well as enhancing individual’s competencies and abilities.
Additionally, the unconventional therapies like float therapy tanks designed with Epsom salts for muscle relaxation and sensory deprivation create a quiet, soothing experience.
These tanks have no gravity and are therefore perfect for individuals to relax and calm down.
Another possible way that can be useful to relieve stress is by taking extremely hot or cold showers where the tactile sensations together with sounds of running water facilitate immediate relief.
These contrasting temperatures stimulate the senses bringing about relaxation as well as mental rejuvenation.
Meanwhile, salt rooms that look like salt caves from top to bottom beautify themselves visually.
Here people can find peace when they need it most and enjoy a relaxing environment full of nice sounds.
Overall, regardless of the rage rooms being seen as a new way to relieve stress, the long term effects of this are indecisive.
Insomnia or sleep disorders are getting even more common among Americans, and that is why a wide range of practical methods supported by evidence should be adopted in order to cope with this issue.
The proponents insist that a more holistic approach is necessary whereby stress triggers are not only identified but understood.
They believe that there should be other healthier options such as engaging in physical activities, coping with sensory therapies and finding oneself in an environment that helps better handle anxiety and stress challenges.
In the current societal landscape characterized by rising levels of stress, such a shift becomes critical.
Thus, transcending beyond the appeal of rage rooms presents itself as an influential path to improving mental health well-being and stimulation.
