Smashing is fun. That’s for sure. But did you know that smashing provides several important mental health benefits?
Confidence and Empowerment
The first mental health benefit of smashing is an increased sense of self-confidence and self-empowerment. Most people feel this right after their first smash session. That’s because you just did something you been told your whole life you “cannot do”. You’ve been told not to break the glasses, don’t drop the dishes, and be very careful around with your computer.
The constant warnings of what not to do eventually bottle-up and are projected on other aspects of your life. You may feel like you “cannot” ask for a promotion, start a business, move to a new city, or anything else you want to do but feel you “cannot”.
When you smash the things you’ve been told not to break, you are also smashing any other preconceived notions of what you cannot do! The actual physical act releases endorphins which sends a very powerful message to your subconscious that says “YES, I CAN!”
That is why so many people emerge from their smash session exclaiming “I feel like I am on top of the world!”
Emotional Catharsis
The second mental health benefit of smashing stems from modern day societal expectations of behavior.
We’re told – especially women – to bottle up our emotions. We’re told to “settle down” when we express any strong emotions. We’re told, in essence, not to be human; not to experience the breadth of human emotions that are vital to our survival.
This is especially unhealthy in our modern world where stress is coming at us from every direction and is historically at an all-time high.
Smashing allows you to tap into that aspect of human emotions and release it in a safe and healthy way. Smashing allows you to release the very emotions you’ve been told to bottle up your whole life.
When you smash, you’ll understand the reason behind the old saying “You don’t feel the weight of something you’ve been carrying until you feel the weight of its release”.
Therapy
Finally, smashing is a proven way to transmute traumatic life events.
While not a cure, smashing helps to move to the next level of the ladder of healing when dealing with especially difficult life events, including divorce, death, job loss, and illness.
When smashing to work through major life events, we suggest combining smashing with traditional forms of talk therapy.
Of course, smashing is not a magic bullet. It is not going to solve all of your problems. However, it can be a helpful tool in your mental health toolbox. If you are considering using smashing to work through a traumatic life event, we suggest combining it with traditional forms of talk therapy. This will help you to understand your emotions and to develop healthy coping mechanisms.
Need someone to talk to? It's never too early or too late to seek help. Along with the empowering act of smashing, having a professional by your side can provide a more comprehensive approach to healing. Check out one of our trusted Advocates and Partners, or call one of the hotline numbers listed below. Whether you're grappling with a significant life change or simply need someone to lend a compassionate ear, don't wait until it's too late. Reach out now, and take the first step towards a healthier, more balanced life.
Advocates and Partners
If you are in immediate need of help, please consider the following hotlines:
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish.
9-8-8
Crisis Hotlines in Arizona
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
