Troubleshooting life with technology
We're excited to feature Student Voices, our blog series that brings unique student perspectives to our blog. From academic challenges to tech-driven success stories, hear directly from students about the tools, strategies, and experiences shaping their education. Stay tuned for inspiring insights!
Ajwad Ahmed explores the impact of technology on managing and improving mental health.
College can be overwhelming, especially as a Computer Science major. I expected late nights of coding, but never really expected the emotional toll it would take. From all the lines of code I was debugging, I didn't realize my mental health would be the hardest thing that I would have to troubleshoot. Between deadlines, pressure, also being far from home, there are days I felt drained and isolated. But through all that, something that helped wasn't a counselor but everyday technology.
Simple Tech, Big Difference
I have always enjoyed technology and how it changed overtime. But I would never rely on it for my mental and physical health. I used to take apps as productivity tools or entertainment. But as time passed it became a part of how I took care of myself, especially on the days where I had nowhere else to go.
Notion: My Digital Safe Space
Notion became a daily thing for me. I used it for everything, from journaling to organizing my weeks to just writing out thoughts I couldn't say out loud. It has helped me organize what I had to do. It was like a quiet space that let me breathe and feel more in control when life got a little too messy.
Spotify: Press Play and Breathe
Music is part of everyone's day. It helps you reset. I have a playlist for everything, whether it's workouts, walks, or moments when I just need to step out. One of the best things Spotify has added, in my opinion, is the new DJ feature. It somehow helps you listen to what you are feeling, and it has become a very comforting part of my day, almost like someone checking in without saying a word. Whether I am coding or running, Spotify just makes me feel seen and lets my emotions out.
Apple Fitness: Steps to Balance
I try to work out when I can, but I've learned it's less about pushing myself hard and more about finding balance. College can be a nonstop motion sometimes. Just taking 20 minutes to walk or stretch felt good. It reminded me to check in with my body and not only my to-do list. I didn't aim to be super fit but just needed something that helped me feel steady. These small movements gave me space to breathe, and over time, these small rings helped me balance everything else.
Messages: The Actual Lifeline
Of all the apps that we download on our phones, this one comes built-in and is probably the most underrated. Honestly, some days, it would just be a simple text from a close friend or family, like "Hey, how is it going?" or "Want to get on FaceTime?" that makes it so much better. We have so many tools to manage our stress, but an unexpected message would really light up my day and always reminded me that someone cared, and sometimes that's all I needed.
When The Code Breaks You
During my last semester, I had a moment or let's just call it a full breakdown. I was working on the final project for AI class called "The Breakthrough Game." Yes! The name says it all. No matter how many times I tried debugging it, or changing the algorithm, it kept crashing and didn't seem to work at all.
And the worst part? I am supposed to be good at Python, but this project made me question my abilities. Gave me second thoughts that I may not be fit for this at all. My teammates weren't really involved, and I felt like I was carrying the whole thing. My brain felt fried, and I wasn't even sure what I was doing anymore. I didn't step away because I was done. I stepped away because I couldn't keep going.
But instead of completely shutting down, I checked in with myself. I opened Spotify and played the playlist I usually listen to on heavy days. It's slow songs that make me feel like I am getting a warm hug. It made me realize that I didn't have to fix everything all at once. I just needed to breathe.
At the perfect time, my mom called me. I really didn't want to answer because I knew that I would break down. But I am so glad I did. I ranted. I spilled all my frustrations, doubts and all the stress I had. My mom didn't give me a fix but just listened. That call didn't change the outcome of my code, but it changed how I felt later. It made me calmer and gave me the realization that I wasn't carrying it all alone.
Final Thoughts
We don't give credit to the quiet days where we take care of ourselves. The playlists, the notes app entries or just a simple text. These may seem very small, but they are the ones that matter the most.
With all the enhancements in technology, it can be numbing if we are not conscious about how we use it. The same technology that can make you feel disconnected or overwhelmed, can also give you clarity, comfort, and connection. The only difference is intention.
If you're ever going through something, I really hope you use the tech around you with intention. Not to escape the feeling but rather understand and move through it. Let that playlist match your mood, or get some steps in, or even better, text that friend!
I know this never replaces the real help we all need, but it will always be a reminder that we are still trying, still going. And sometimes, that's all you need.
