Boredom Games: Simple Ways to Break Office and Remote Work Monotony

TL;DR / Key Takeaways

Feeling bored at work is common, especially during repetitive or low-focus tasks
Short, low-effort boredom games can refresh your attention without derailing your day
The best boredom games are quick, optional, and easy to stop
Even 5 minutes of light mental play can help reset focus
A few simple rules keep boredom games from becoming distractions

Why Boredom Hits So Hard at Work

If you’ve ever stared at your screen, reread the same email three times, or refreshed Slack without knowing why, you’re not lazy. You’re bored.

Boredom at work often shows up when:

Tasks are repetitive or overly familiar
There’s downtime between meetings
You’re waiting on someone else to move things forward
You’re working remotely without external stimulation

Office workers feel it during slow afternoons. Remote employees feel it when the house is quiet, and the workday stretches on. In both cases, boredom isn’t about a lack of work - it’s about a lack of mental engagement.

Research suggests that mild boredom can reduce attention and increase mind-wandering, which makes even simple tasks feel heavier than they are.¹

That’s where boredom games come in.

What Are “Boredom Games,” Really?

Boredom games aren’t full-on video games or long puzzles that hijack your afternoon.

They’re:

Short
Mentally light
Easy to start and stop
Designed to fill small gaps of time

Think of them as mental palate cleansers.

Examples include:

A 2-minute word challenge
A quick logic puzzle
A light memory or pattern game
Simple reaction-based games

The goal isn’t to win big or get hooked. It’s to gently wake your brain up.

Real-Life Examples from the Workday

Example 1: The Between-Meetings Gap

You’ve got 7 minutes before your next Zoom call. Starting a big task feels pointless, but scrolling social media leaves you more drained. A short boredom game fills the gap without pulling you into a rabbit hole.

Example 2: Post-Lunch Slump

After lunch, your energy dips. A quick, low-stakes game can act like a mental stretch - just enough movement to reset your focus before diving back in.

Example 3: Waiting Mode

You’re blocked, waiting for feedback. Instead of refreshing your inbox every 30 seconds, a boredom game gives your brain something active to do while you wait.

Why Boredom Games Can Help (When Used Right)

Used intentionally, boredom games can:

Interrupt mental fatigue
Reduce the urge to mindlessly scroll
Improve mood slightly without overstimulation
Make it easier to re-focus afterwards

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that brief cognitive breaks can support sustained attention, especially during monotonous work.² The key is brief and controlled.

A Short Checklist: Is This a “Good” Boredom Game?

Before you open a game, run through this quick checklist:

⏱️ Takes 5 minutes or less
⏹️ Easy to stop without “one more round” pressure
🧠 Light mental effort (not emotionally intense)
🎯 No rewards that encourage long sessions
🔕 Doesn’t pull you away from work notifications

If it fails more than one of these, it’s probably not ideal for work hours.

Where People Usually Go Wrong

Boredom games become a problem when:

There’s no time limit
They’re used to avoid difficult tasks
They turn into default behaviour instead of a break

The difference between a helpful reset and a distraction is intention. Set a mental boundary before you start.

A Note on Online Boredom Game Collections

Some people prefer having a small, curated set of simple games instead of bouncing between apps and feeds. Sites like imborednow.com exist to offer quick boredom-friendly games without heavy setup or complexity.

If you use something like this, treat it as a tool - not a destination.

One or two visits during a slow day is very different from keeping it open all afternoon.

How to Use Boredom Games Without Guilt

Try this simple structure:

Decide why you’re taking a break
Pick one game
Set a rough time limit
Stop when the game ends - no switching

This keeps the break clean and prevents that “where did the last 40 minutes go?” feeling.

FAQ: Boredom Games at Work

Are boredom games actually productive?

They’re not productive in the traditional sense, but they can support productivity by reducing mental fatigue and restoring focus.

How often should I take these breaks?

For most people, once every 60–90 minutes is reasonable. More frequent breaks may signal deeper disengagement.

Are boredom games better than social media?

Often, yes. Many games are finite and neutral, while social media is designed to pull you deeper.

Can boredom be a sign of burnout?

Sometimes. If boredom is constant and paired with exhaustion or cynicism, it may be worth stepping back and reassessing workload or boundaries.

Are these games suitable for office environments?

As long as they’re quiet, brief, and non-distracting, they’re usually fine - especially during breaks.

Conclusion

Boredom at work doesn’t mean something is wrong with you. It usually means your brain needs a small reset.

Boredom games, when used sparingly and intentionally, can fill awkward gaps in the workday without draining your energy or attention. Keep them short, keep them light, and treat them like a stretch - not a substitute for meaningful breaks.

Sometimes, five minutes of play is all it takes to make the rest of the hour feel easier.

Sources / References

Eastwood, J. D., et al. (2012). The Unengaged Mind: Defining Boredom in Terms of Attention. Perspectives on Psychological Science.
Frontiers in Psychology - Research on cognitive breaks and sustained attention.

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