[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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- Perfect for killing time! Games you can play with two people.
[Alone Time] A roundup of ways to kill time without using your smartphone (31–40)
Balance ball play

A balance ball that elementary school kids can enjoy playing with on their own.
It offers lots of benefits for the body.
By sitting on the soft, springy ball or making light little hops, kids naturally strengthen their core and back, improve posture, and even boost concentration.
For example, “Balance Ball Jumps” is a game where you sit on the ball and do gentle hops.
“Tummy-and-Back Roll” involves lying on your back or stomach on the ball and rolling forward and back; it gently works the abdominal and back muscles, so it’s recommended.
There are many other ways to play too, so get creative and have fun!
Ball games you can play alone

Here are five ball games you can play by yourself! First: kick the ball yourself, run, and pass it through your legs.
You’ll use your head, too, as you think about how hard to kick.
Second: toss the ball up and pass it through your arms—moving your body is the key.
Third: balance one ball on top of another and keep it still.
Fourth: hold the ball above your head, bend your body backward, pass it through your legs, and catch it—great for flexibility.
Finally, a game using a hula hoop: while the hoop is spinning, move the ball.
You don’t need to throw or kick hard to have fun with any of these, so give them a try!
Traditional playground games techniques

Kendama and spinning tops may seem difficult at first, but when you keep trying and finally succeed, you’ll feel a real sense of “I did it!” As you practice, you steadily develop fine finger movements, body balance, and hand-eye timing—that’s a key benefit.
Focusing while you play also nurtures perseverance and a never-give-up attitude.
If you practice and show off your tricks with friends or family, their “That’s awesome!” will give you courage and confidence.
These toys help both mind and body grow while having fun, so give them a try!
Rubik’s Cube

The Rubik’s Cube has enjoyed high popularity for many years, with official world tournaments being held.
It’s an ideal toy for stimulating the brain: it helps train logical thinking and can improve reasoning skills.
The rule—matching colors—is simple, but completing the cube requires skills like anticipating several moves ahead, so it’s by no means easy.
For some people, it might even become a source of stress—“I can’t do this!”—but in terms of getting absorbed in something, it’s perfect for passing the time.
Why not start by trying to solve just one face first?
Infinity Cube

The endlessly unfolding infinity cube is a type of fidget toy for passing the time.
How to play is super simple: just open the cube vertically and horizontally.
If you keep your hands moving without thinking too hard, your stress and restlessness might gradually ease.
Unlike a Rubik’s Cube, there’s no goal like “matching colors,” so you can simply enjoy the movement.
As long as you supervise to make sure it doesn’t go in the mouth, it’s something you can enjoy playing with even with small children.


