Slate tiles are fairly safe from static electricity. However, having a rubber mat under your build is possibly asking for trouble. Make sure the work surface you select is also safe, not just where your feet are. I generally use a wooden desk. I have been forced to use a plastic table which is prone to static build-up, so I line it with towels, topped with cardboard before I begin. Wood is a good surface, and is generally preferable to plastic or metal when assembling electronics, from an electrical standpoint.
There are times when you may touch something while building that has some electrical buildup, whether static or otherwise, no matter the surface. When I'm building at home, I make sure I am not wearing rubber soled shoes, or I will even go so far as to take my shoes off, to make sure that any static that comes at me from the desktop/tabletop, will not build up, but pass through me.
Also, another tip, before you touch any components like CPU, Memory, Graphics Card, or whatever, touch your PC case chassis to make sure you discharge any static build-up. That should keep you safe.
I admit wearing an anti-static wrist-majigger (your word) is a pain, and I don't like to do it either. But take simple precautions like I have recommended and you should be alright.
Another tip: There is a product on the market called "Static Guard", which is meant to be sprayed on clothing to prevent static from causing your pants to cling to your legs, or on your hair to prevent your hair from flying away wildly with static. Many people use it as such during cold winter months when those things are common. However, I would recommend that if you are going to "house" the computer in a carpeted area, that use use some of that static guard to spray the carpet under and around the area where the computer will be kept. Do not allow the computer to sit on the carpet, but keep it raised up from the carpet. The static guard will help prevent troubles if in a carpeted area.
I remember a number of years back someone was trying to troubleshoot problems with random garbage printing out on their printer. My Father sprayed static guard on their carpet, charged them $150 for it, and the problem stopped. The printer cable was dragging on the carpet floor, and the signal was being corrupted by static. He left the can with them and told them to use it once a month.
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