Embrace Mindless Fun: 11 Ways to Microdose Joy

Sometimes, a step away from words on a screen is much needed. With these Piecework mini puzzles, it’s easy to plop a few pieces in place and head back to work until the next break. With only 70 pieces, it’s a delightful way to take advantage of downtime. Their zodiac collection features puzzles representing each sign, making for a highly personalized experience.

Sloomoo slime is a stretchy and swirl-able good time in a jar. Not only does it momentarily drop you into an immersive world of touch, sight, and scent (marshmallow, to be exact), but the putty is also known to be very good for stretching and releasing hand and arm muscles that become tense after sitting at a desk too long. For science and texture lovers, it’s the perfect mechanism for light afternoon entertainment or soothing.

After a tense meeting or sprint of studying, score goals with this childhood favorite handheld water game. The portable, mini-size bundle comes with six changeable backdrops. It’s a pleasurable way to pass time in waiting rooms, long lines, and during lunch. No batteries required.

For those ready to bring out their inner kid, a fitness hoop is an A-plus addition to any living room break as well as a phenomenal core workout. It has detachable sections for easy storage and breaks down easily so it can be carried to the office or park for a short active session outside of the house. Here’s to hooping then getting back to work feeling energized.

Whip out these handy pocket binoculars during a walk through a park or green space or on the way to grab coffee and temporarily get out of the office. The compact water-proof lenses slip easily into any backpack or tote bag and allow a front-row seat to nature’s finest scenes among the trees.

Creatives may be accustomed to watercolors or charcoal on canvas, but when was the last time they held a good ol’ hunky piece of colorful sidewalk chalk? Drawing and doodling with sidewalk chalk — whether it’s pictures, inspirational words, or both — can do wonders for physical and mental well-being. It doesn’t require much effort. If a larger masterpiece is the goal, it gives an incentive to step back into the sunshine later in the day to keep at it. Plus, the artwork will have an audience and brighten up someone else’s day.

For a more traditional way to hit the brakes on a busy day, cool off with this collection of portable, fun-size crossword puzzles. Served up in convenient portions, these can be completed in a few minutes or less. As the title of the collection, 100 Park Bench Crosswords, suggests, visiting a nearby park bench or plopping down in a cozy chair for a carefree moment and brief brainteaser will test one’s well of knowledge on a range of interesting subjects but will still be easy-breezy before hopping back into work.

Remember belting your heart out in front of your bedroom mirror? The party doesn’t have to stop. With this wireless karaoke microphone, singers of all talent levels can attach their phone to the built-in holder then croon, yodel, or scream their favorite lyrics to momentarily disconnect from the day. Record, remix, and repeat.

Inside illustrator Johanna Basford's hypnotizing coloring book, wannabe artists are brought into the whimsical world of what she calls “the great indoors. Cleverly hidden within every page is a secret key and a locked door. As voyagers color their way through each room, they’ll find the key that “unlocks” the next page. Between hidden treasures and awe-inducing nooks, this book is an invitation for exploration through enchanting illustrations.

Remember Skip-It? Nothing says adult recess like a skip ball. This throwback toy is a fantastic form of exercise that is not only a nostalgic good time but also helps to increase coordination and balance abilities. The ankle ring is made with a soft spongey material to prevent soreness.