There are multiple different ways to reduce stress and anger. Some people walk in nature or opt for a high-intensity circuit class. Others decide to meditate every morning or see friends for a fun night out.

But, one relatively new anger-busting activity is a rage room. For a fee, these facilities will let you smash computers, fling vases, and destroy all sorts of items to let off a little steam.

But while the idea of using a hammer to smash things up seems like it would make you feel better after arguing, is this good for your mental health in the long term? Let’s take a look at what the research says.

Are Rage Rooms Beneficial?

Rage rooms are a relatively new concept and not a lot of research has been done. However, a past study gives a clue about the impact they can have.In 1959, a group of participants were asked to hit nails with hammers over 10 minutes while being insulted.

Another group was asked to sit quietly, under the same conditions. The results showed that those smashing the hammers were angrier at the end, suggesting that breaking things may not be a good way to deal with anger.

One study showed that releasing aggression towards a frustration may decrease the angry feelings at the moment. But alarmingly, the chance of being aggressive in the future could increase.

What Are Healthy Ways to deal with Anger?

Some experts believe that evaluating the source of your anger can help to decrease it. In addition to this, learning how to calm your emotions and ease the mind with stress management practices can be hugely beneficial. If you’re feeling angry, stressed or frustrated, try these things:

• Taking a break. If something or someone is stressing you out, walk away and take a break.
• Breathing exercises. Deep breathing is proven to relieve stress, relax your muscles and calm you down.
• Meditation for anger. Meditation can help you heal the underlying thoughts and feelings related to your anger. Try out the guided meditations on the BetterSleep app to induce a sense of balanced calm.
• Practice gratitude. Instead of being angry at what you haven’t got, focus on being grateful for what you do have, no matter how small.
• Journaling. Writing down angry thoughts can help to slow impulsive behaviors that may make things worse.
• Anger and stress management. You can’t always avoid angry stress triggers. However, learning how to deal with them builds resilience, so you won’t continue to get as stressed.
• Problem-solving. Anger and stress often stem from not being able to solve a problem in life. Learning how to become a better problem solver is a way to beat these situations.
• Cognitive restructuring. If all else fails, cognitive restructuring with a therapist can help. This is a process of challenging and changing negative thought patterns.

Release anger, calm the mind, and sleep more peacefully by meditating with the BetterSleep app.