[For Middle School Students] Recommended Ways to Spend Your Free Time
Middle schoolers are busy every day with studying and club activities.
Even for those constantly on the go, there are moments when unexpected free time pops up.
When that free time arrives, many people feel unsure and wonder what they should do.
In this article, we’ll introduce things we recommend middle schoolers do when they’re bored!
We’ve gathered ideas to fill your free time—from things you can do alone at home to activities that get you out of the house a little.
Whether you’re bored right now or so busy you feel like you never have free time, give these a try as a little breather.
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to cook
Nowadays, it’s perfectly normal for men to cook as well, so getting both boys and girls involved with cooking from their middle school years could be a great experience.
Even just trying to make meals—ones you’d usually have your parents prepare—during your free time can help you spend warm, quality time with your family.
Also, the process of envisioning the finished dish from the ingredient stage and working toward it should positively impact your club activities and studies, too.
It’s a highly recommended way to pass the time: you can build skills for the future, enjoy family time, and broaden your current perspective—all while having fun.
Give it a try!
take a walk
For junior high school students who lead busy lives that are different from adults, I recommend taking a leisurely walk whenever you have some free time.
You don’t need any special preparation, and just strolling around your neighborhood is enough, so it’s easy to get started.
You might discover things in the scenery you don’t usually notice, or find that your thoughts and worries become organized—refreshing benefits like these are a nice bonus.
If you’re in an athletic club, it allows you to stay active without a complete rest, and if you’re in a cultural club or focused on studying, it serves as a change of pace.
It’s a simple yet meaningful way to spend your time.
play a musical instrument
Use your free time to improve your instrument skills at home! If you usually play piano or guitar, try singing and playing your favorite songs, or look for new tracks to enjoy.
If you’re a beginner, ask your family to teach you about the instruments you have at home, or gather information online and give it a try.
As you practice popular songs, you might even find yourself getting hooked on the instrument.
Why not pick up a hobby you can enjoy on your own without leaving the house?
Do DIY and handcrafts
From researching how to make something to gathering materials, DIY and handcrafts can be a meaningful way to spend your free time.
You can try simple projects using supplies from 100-yen shops, or customize and assemble something bigger, like a computer, to suit your tastes—choosing projects that fit your available time makes the experience more fulfilling.
Plus, beyond just passing the time, you’ll have what you made in your hands, which might even lead to discovering a new hobby.
By the time you’re in middle school, you can create more elaborate pieces, making it a surefire way to get absorbed and lose track of time.
Study English conversation
For those who want to use their free time to focus on learning something new, I recommend English conversation.
Even in an era that demands worldwide engagement, Japan—despite being a developed country—still has a strong perception of being weak at English.
To avoid situations where English becomes a barrier when you try to obtain information, why not view your spare moments as an opportunity and give English conversation a try? In recent years, you can learn basic English not only through paid lessons but also on YouTube, so feel free to start by just watching.
Hang out with friends
If you usually spend every day immersed in club activities and studying, why not make plans to hang out with your friends during those rare free moments? Dedicating yourself wholeheartedly to one thing is also part of youth, but the memories you make with friends during your school days become precious, lifelong treasures.
What’s more, precisely because you’re always focused, spending time with close friends can help you refresh and relax, which may even boost your performance.
Switching between on and off is an important factor for efficiency, so when you have free time, change gears and enjoy yourself to the fullest.
to dance
Dances you can do at home are a great way to pass the time, even for those who usually stay active through club activities.
Because you have to move your body in ways different from athletic skills, you’re sure to make new discoveries.
And even if you’re in a cultural club or focused on studying and don’t usually get much physical activity, just moving your body a little to music can help you refresh.
For junior high school students, dance has been compulsory since 2021, so it’s also a useful way to review what you’ve learned in class.
Study fashion
By the time you’re in junior high, you naturally want to wear fashion that suits your own taste rather than clothes your parents bought.
If you usually don’t have much time because of club activities or studying, why not use your days off to explore what styles look good on you? Since things like color, silhouette, and the balance between tops and bottoms—and overall coordination—are rarely something you grasp overnight, browsing magazines and visiting shops can be part of your research.
When you’re focused, your free time flies by, so it’s also a great way to pass the time.
Do voluntary practice for a club activity
For junior high school students whose club activities are the very essence of their youth, some of you might want to practice on your own even during breaks.
If you’re in a sports club and are always active, or in a light music club practicing instruments, it’s only natural to want to keep training and improve during the holidays.
Since the environment is different from school, you may not be able to do the exact same practice, but experimenting with new training methods in your own way can make you lose track of time.
Just be careful not to overwork yourself, as it could throw you off your game.
If you need rest, accept that taking a break is also part of your training.
Composing music on a smartphone
If you’re interested in making music, I especially recommend composing with your smartphone! As long as you have a phone, there are plenty of apps that let even complete beginners create music like a game.
It’s perfect for making the most of those spare moments on the train.
Try finding an app that feels easy to use and makes composing fun.
Composing can unlock your potential and bring various benefits—like refreshment and a rewarding hobby—so why not give it a try?
