Creating playlists has always been an important part of my life, but I never fully understood the power music had over me until I became a Christian over 15 years ago. That's when I began to eliminate songs deemed "inappropriate" from my catalog, and this process was not easy. It sparked anxiety, OCD, and other not-so-nice struggles that still affect me today.
As someone who struggles with OCD and anxiety, I found that pre-curated playlists were the source of most of my anxiety. I began eliminating songs with super inappropriate lyrics, which made sense, but it wasn't easy to part with some of my favorite music. My playlists are like a journal I put together yearly, so discarding them felt like losing a part of my past.
Years ago, I tried rebooting the entire series, but it could have been a better move. Over the years, I've reverted them to almost the originals, and most of the songs are back, except a few are inappropriate (in other words, they’re not redeemable). The ongoing struggle of the flesh has made it challenging to let go of some songs, but God gives me the strength to say no.
I know I'm not alone in this struggle, and I want to share some tips I've learned to create playlists without sparking anxiety or obsessive behavior. For anyone who experiences OCD and anxiety related to creating playlists, these tips might help you.
Set a time limit
One way to manage anxiety and OCD while curating a playlist is to set a time limit for yourself. Give yourself a specific time to create the playlist and stick to it. This will help you avoid getting too caught up in the process and feeling overwhelmed.
Take breaks
Take a break if you become anxious or obsessive while creating a playlist. Step away from the music and return to it when you feel more relaxed.
Focus on the big picture
It's easy to get bogged down in the details when creating a playlist. Instead, focus on the big picture. What is the overall mood or theme of the playlist? What do you want the listener to feel when they hear it? By focusing on the overall goal of the playlist, you can prevent yourself from getting too caught up in the details.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness can be a helpful tool for managing anxiety and OCD. When creating a playlist, try to stay present at the moment and focus on the task at hand. If you are getting anxious or obsessive, take a break and practice mindfulness exercises, such as deep breathing or meditation.
Be open to change
It's important to remember that a playlist is not set in stone. It's okay to make changes or additions as you go along. Being open to change can help you manage anxiety and OCD by allowing you to adjust the playlist as needed.
Be mindful of the lyrics
When creating playlists, pay attention to the lyrics of the songs. If the lyrics contain inappropriate or triggering content, consider whether the music is worth including in your playlist.
Considering starting with a blank slate
If you're having trouble letting go of songs that don't serve you, consider starting with a blank slate. Create a new playlist with none of the songs from your old playlist, and add songs that make you feel good and don't trigger any anxiety or obsessive behavior.
Practice self-compassion
It's okay if creating playlists is a struggle for you. Be kind to yourself and remember that it's a process.
Seek support
Creating playlists can be a personal and emotional process. Consider talking to a trusted friend or therapist about your anxiety and OCD to get support and guidance.
Remember that creating playlists should be a fun and enjoyable experience. Use these tips to create playlists that uplift and inspire you without causing anxiety or obsessive behavior.
|
