Escape rooms in Singapore are designed to be fun, immersive experiences that challenge your problem-solving skills and teamwork. However, for some people, they can feel a bit overwhelming. The ticking clock, the puzzles, and the excitement of the challenge can sometimes lead to stress. If you’ve ever felt a little anxious in a breakout room or are unsure how you’d handle the experience, this article will help you understand why some people feel this way—and, more importantly, how to stay relaxed and enjoy yourself.
Why Do Some People Feel Stressed in Breakout Rooms?
1. Worrying About Not Solving the Puzzles
One common reason people feel uneasy in breakout rooms is the pressure to solve the puzzles in time. Some might worry about not figuring everything out or letting their team down. But remember, breakout rooms are meant to be challenging in a fun way—there’s no “right” or “wrong” way to enjoy the experience.
2. The Countdown Clock
The time limit in breakout rooms adds to the excitement, but for some, it can also create a sense of urgency that feels a bit overwhelming. When the clock is counting down, it’s easy to feel rushed, which can make it harder to think clearly. But with the right mindset, you can use the time as motivation rather than pressure.
3. Small Spaces and Immersive Settings
Breakout rooms are designed to feel engaging and immersive, which can include dim lighting, sound effects, or smaller spaces. While this adds to the adventure, it can sometimes make people feel a little uneasy. Knowing what to expect ahead of time can help you feel more comfortable.
4. Lots of Clues to Process
With so many clues and puzzles to solve, it’s normal to feel a little overwhelmed at first. Some people prefer to take things one step at a time, while others enjoy diving in right away. Either way, finding an approach that works for you and your team can help things feel more manageable.
5. Working in a Team
Breakout rooms are all about teamwork, and the way people interact can affect how relaxed or stressed someone feels. If communication is unclear or if everyone is talking at once, it can be harder to focus. But when a team works together in a supportive way, the whole experience becomes much more enjoyable.
How to Stay Relaxed and Enjoy the Experience
Now that we’ve looked at why some people feel stressed, let’s explore how to stay calm and get the most out of your breakout room adventure.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
Remind yourself that breakout rooms are meant to be fun! You don’t need to solve every puzzle perfectly to have a great time. Focusing on the experience itself rather than just “winning” can help take the pressure off.
2. Take Deep Breaths
If you start feeling a little tense, take a few deep breaths. Inhaling slowly for four seconds, holding your breath for four seconds, and exhaling for four seconds can help you feel more relaxed and focused.
3. Stay Open-Minded
If a puzzle seems tricky, try looking at it from a new angle rather than feeling stuck. It’s okay to step back and take a moment to think things through. Your team is there to help, so working together makes it easier.
4. Communicate Clearly
Sharing ideas with your teammates and listening to theirs is key. If you feel a bit overwhelmed, let someone else take over a puzzle while you gather your thoughts. Encouraging and supporting each other makes the game more enjoyable for everyone.
5. Focus on One Thing at a Time
If there’s a lot going on in the room, pick one puzzle to work on at a time. Trying to do everything at once can feel chaotic, but breaking things down into smaller steps can make the experience more fun and manageable.
6. Take a Short Pause If Needed
It’s perfectly okay to take a quick moment to reset. If you feel overwhelmed, moving to another part of the room or letting someone else take over a puzzle for a bit can help you refocus.
7. Trust Your Team
Breakout rooms are about teamwork, so trust that your teammates will bring different strengths to the game. If you’re feeling stuck, someone else might have a fresh perspective. A supportive team makes all the difference.
8. Enjoy the Adventure
At the end of the day, breakout rooms are all about having fun. Instead of worrying about the time or solving every puzzle perfectly, focus on enjoying the experience with your team. Laugh at mistakes, celebrate small wins, and embrace the excitement of the challenge.
What to Do If You Start Feeling Stressed
If you start feeling a little overwhelmed, here’s what you can do:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings – It’s okay to feel a little nervous, but remind yourself that it’s all part of the experience.
- Breathe Deeply – A few deep breaths can help you feel more centred and in control.
- Shift Your Focus – Try working on a different puzzle or observing the room from a new perspective.
- Ask for Help – Your teammates are there to support you, so don’t hesitate to work together.
- Reframe Your Thinking – Instead of thinking, “I’m stuck,” try, “I’m figuring it out step by step.”
- Remember It’s Just a Game – Whether you escape or not, the main goal is to have a great time!
Conclusion
Feeling a little stressed in a breakout room is normal, but it doesn’t have to take away from the fun. By understanding what might cause those feelings and using simple strategies to stay calm, you can turn any breakout room into a great adventure. The key is to take things one step at a time, communicate with your team, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
