Relaxation Techniques for Elections: Your Very Own Sawt Ashabab Stress Reduction Program
June 4, 2009 by RootSpaceOnline
By Maryam Hoballah
It’s okay; you’re only deciding the future of this country. No biggie! It’s not like it will affect every aspect of your life for the next five years. (It will.) Let the experts at Sawt Ashabab/ YouthVoice help you deal with this stressful period with some possible scenarios that you may encounter, and some suggestions to better deal with them.
Watching the News?
You’re sitting back on your living room sofa, watching your favorite Lebanese news channel, frustrated at seeing people bash at the scapegoat of the day and the weather lady’s suggestive take on fashion. What should you do?
* Close your eyes and picture yourself in a relaxing environment – by the sea, under the palm trees, dates conveniently falling into your mouth as you try not to breathe through your nose at the infamous trash mountain.
* Breathe.
Driving Past a Billboard?
In case you’re considering the “closing your eyes technique”, that may not be the best way to go. Remember that you’re driving a car… on a road… with other people around you.
DO NOT, and I repeat, DO NOT go to your closest supermarket and purchase the e37-perma-forever can of black spray paint. If you get that urge, which is highly likely, go back to your happy place by the sea.
On Election Day
Here’s where things get serious. We’ve spoken about relaxation techniques prior to the actual voting ordeal. What do you bring with you? What do you wear? We’re here to simplify the process so do not stress.
* Make sure to carry a bottle of water.
* Remember to bring your Lebanese ID.
* Wear comfortable, loose clothing to free the body, mind, and spirit.
* Do not bring your wallet – if you do, remember: no matter what you’re told by any man in a trench coat with sunglasses, it is not “general procedure to get kicked in the shins and ‘pay up’.”
* Keep in mind that this is a PG event: don’t dress like the weather lady.
* Last but not least, vote because you can and do so based on well-informed judgments. There are plenty of 21-18 year olds that would give up their very own Facebook accounts to be in your place.
