Lovely Play & Recreation

[Solo Time] A roundup of ways to kill time without using your smartphone

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

[Alone Time] A roundup of ways to kill time without using your smartphone (31–40)

puzzle ring

Doll, disentanglement puzzle solution video, how to solve, how to remove

puzzle ring

When it comes to simple games that are perfect for brain training or passing the time, the classic “disentanglement puzzle” (chiebukuro/chi eno wa) has long been a favorite.

That satisfying rush when a ring that seems stuck suddenly slips free is irresistible, isn’t it? These days, you can even find a variety of shapes and difficulty levels at 100-yen shops, so if you’re thinking, “I haven’t played in a while,” be sure to stop by.

If you use a disentanglement puzzle to both kill time and stimulate your brain—and relieve some stress while you’re at it—you might just greet tomorrow with a sharp mind and a refreshed mood!

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In conclusion

There were some supplies we needed, but I think we could get everything at the local 100-yen shop or hardware store.

And when it comes to things like major cleanups, even tasks you normally do can become a way to pass the time if you just add one extra step.

That way of thinking could be perfectly valid, don’t you think? I hope you have a fulfilling time!