WILLIMANTIC — 2016 was a stressful year for many Americans.

A controversial election season that stirred up racial and cultural tensions has caused some to seek stress relief.

Smashing Adventures, a new business in Willimantic, gives individuals an opportunity to do that by smashing household objects, such as plates, coffee makers and electronics.

Owner Jevon St. Louis said his hope is that people will get off their phones and have fun with their families at his business.

“We want you to interact with your families,” he said.

The business, which is located in a nondescript commercial building at 90 South Park St. in Willimantic, opened Dec. 22.

St. Louis said he is gauging how well the business does for 45 days and will decide after that whether it is “economically viable” and whether to continue.

If he decides to continue, it will be for six months initially.

“It was an experiment just to see how it’s perceived,” St. Louis said. St. Louis said he wants people to be active, doing activities like those at his business and Keep it Kleen Escape Adventures, which is owned by his wife, Alissa Sandberg.

Keep it Kleen Escape Adventures, an escape room, opened in July and is in the same location as St. Louis’ business.

Appointments must be made at Smashing Adventures and the minimum age for participants is 13 years old.

“We recommend that you wear heavy clothing and

boots,” said St. Louis.

Participants can choose from a variety of tools to smash objects, such as a hammer and ax handle.

“We tailor it based on age,” St. Louis said, noting the customer’s age will determine what objects they are given, for example.

All participants must wear a face shield and gloves.

“It feels great,” Michael Gaugh, who lives in eastern Connecticut but would not say what town, said after smashing objects.

Objects are either donated or come from garage sales or other places, such as the Salvation Army in Brooklyn, where St. Louis bought several items recently.

He said the business was a “ team effort” between he and Sandberg.

St. Louis said Smashing Adventures is the only business of its kind that he knows of in New England, but there is one in Texas.

“We need to be in an area that’s going to attract enough people,” he said.

St. Louis said he has sold 60 tickets so far, but was expecting more customers.

“Honestly, I think it’s going to catch on,” said Gaugh.

People of different ages visit St. Louis’ business, including a 13- year- old who came from Waterbury and celebrated his birthday with friends there.

“It was a surprise for him,” St. Louis said.

St. Louis said plans include adding “ Nerf wars” to his business.

“We hope to incorporate four or five different games,” he said.

Information about the business, including prices, is available on its website, www.smashingadventures. com, and on the business’ Facebook page.

Donations of electronics or small furniture are being accepted.