[Solo Time] A roundup of ways to kill time without using your smartphone
You can do just about anything with a smartphone these days—keeping in touch with people, surfing the web, watching videos, even working.
But every now and then, you might find yourself wondering about this lifestyle of relying on your phone for everything.
In this article, we’ve put together some boredom-busting ideas to support your intention to “put your phone down and try something different” as a little change of pace.
It’s not quite a full-on digital detox, but you might be surprised at how refreshing it feels once you give it a try.
Start with a small try!
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[Solo Time] Smartphone-free ways to kill time (11–20)
Yoga
When you stare at your smartphone for too long, do you get stiff shoulders or tired eyes and start feeling off? If so, I recommend stepping away from your phone for a bit and loosening up your whole body with yoga! I especially want people who avoid yoga because they think they’re not flexible to give it a try.
This yoga video is a 15-minute gentle yoga session for beginners.
The key is to feel with your body rather than think with your head—not only will it relax your whole body, it can also relieve shoulder stiffness! Listen to your body’s signals and let yoga soothe you.
Handmade figure
If you’ve forgotten your smartphone and want to refresh yourself during solo or spare moments, we recommend making handmade figurines.
You can create them using only materials available at 100-yen shops—like stone clay, clay sculpting tools, and a craft knife—so it’s great for beginners too! As adults, we don’t often get chances to do clay crafts, so if you collect figurines and have thought about making your own, or if you’re good with your hands, give it a try.
You’ll grow very attached to a one-of-a-kind figurine you made yourself!
Adult coloring book
Many of you probably remember playing with coloring books as children.
These days, adult coloring books are popular! While coloring books with adult themes like flowers, landscapes, and buildings are lovely, even kids’ character coloring books you can find at 100-yen shops can look surprisingly realistic and three-dimensional depending on how you color them.
Try focusing on light and shadow for contrast, or using a more mature color palette.
Getting absorbed in coloring can also help relieve stress and refresh your mood, so it’s highly recommended.
Meditation
When you hear the word “meditation,” you might picture something spiritual, but it’s actually perfect for solo time because you can do it in just a few minutes.
In today’s world, where smartphones and social media flood us with information, intentionally cutting off all input to calm the mind can be crucial for mental stability.
It also helps release the stress that easily builds up in modern life and boosts self-esteem, making it ideal for anyone worn out from work or relationships.
Keeping your mind quiet and centered is important in any situation, so if you have a moment alone before meeting someone—whether for work or in your personal life—give it a try.
Kumiki puzzle
How about enjoying a wooden “kumiki” puzzle during your solo time or in spare moments? As you move your hands and fingers to assemble the pieces, you’ll engage muscles that don’t get used when you’re just holding a smartphone, and you’ll work your brain too—perfect for a refresh! That satisfying click when the wooden pieces fit together feels so good.
We don’t often get to experience the texture and grain of wood in daily life, so if you’re tired of touching your phone, give it a try.
household account book
A great way to spend solo time or spare moments without using your smartphone is to keep a handwritten household budget! Many people may have given up on budgeting before, but by writing it out by hand, you can grasp the flow of your money and it becomes easier for your brain to remember it.
Start by writing out your household budget on paper, such as a notebook or loose-leaf.
Next, list your income and your monthly expenses to visualize your cash flow for the month.
The act of writing lets you focus on one thing and clear your mind, so it’s sure to make you feel refreshed!
[Me Time] Offline ways to kill time without a smartphone (21–30)
Resin accessories
Resin is essential for handmade accessories, and these days you can even find resin at 100-yen shops! Resin is a colored liquid that hardens when exposed to UV light.
Pour it into a mold and encase small parts inside to create a one-of-a-kind original accessory! It’s recommended for anyone looking for a hobby to enjoy alone without using a smartphone or to fill small pockets of time.
You might lose track of time and get completely absorbed in making accessories! It’s also great for stress relief and a quick refresh.