Play a 10-minute brain game

A 10–15 minute fun activity.

1.Open a crossword, Sudoku, or puzzle app/site.
2.Set a 10-minute timer.
3.Focus on the game until the timer ends, ignoring other apps.
4.Stop when the timer ends, even if the puzzle isn't finished.

Now doing

Play a 10-minute brain game

00:0010–15 minlow energy

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Why it works

A short puzzle engages a specific kind of attention — focused, non-anxious, goal-directed — that most phone activities don't offer. It uses the same 'one more' urge as scrolling but with a satisfying finish line.

Best for

•A commute where you'd otherwise scroll news
•Morning coffee
•The five minutes you keep losing before bed

Variations

•Pick one game and stick with it for a month — familiarity deepens the engagement.
•Use a physical puzzle (crossword book, Rubik's cube) instead of an app if you're already screen-fatigued.

Frequently asked

Do brain games actually make you smarter?

Mostly no — the 'brain training makes you smarter' claims are overblown. But a short puzzle is a good replacement for scrolling in the exact same moment, which is the real benefit.