The Perfect Minigames for Midday Breaks

The science is in—taking breaks during the middle of the workday actually boosts efficiency. This productivity increase is because taking breaks helps reset our brains. Years ago, the idea of unwinding while on the clock would have been inconceivable.

Now, even taking a break to play a minigame can be hugely beneficial. Not only are you able to work more efficiently, including a higher-quality output with fewer mistakes, but you’re also more inclined to get more work done. That’s because when the brain has a chance to reset, it can return to problem-solving mode with more energy and focus.

But are there certain activities that get the job done better? Let’s focus on minigames for this article, zeroing in on the types of short-form games that are perfect for unwinding during a midday break.

Slots

Slots are short and sweet casino games that can enliven even the most boring days. If you’ve never played at an online casino before, then don’t worry—it’s easy to get started. In fact, many companies, including BetMGM casino, offer free spins for slot games as part of its welcome bonus. You can use these free spins to sample slots. Some of our favorites for a workday break are hits like Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, and Book of Dead—but there’s a theme for just about every interest out there, so don’t be afraid to shop around.

Stardew Valley

Though officially listed as a farming simulator, Stardew Valley is much more. This game starts out with the goal of restoring a rundown farm... but things quickly evolve from there. Playing solo or with others, players can take on other casual challenges, from fishing to interacting with townspeople. In fact, there’s an option for just about every mood, letting you tackle larger side quests like raising animals or smaller ones like visiting the beach. Once again, the emphasis is on casual play, which means you’ll have plenty of instructions and hints to get you started on your journey in Pelican Town.

Unpacking

This minigame is one of the more casual on this list. In fact, even if you’ve never played a video game before, you’ll have the mechanics down in no time. All you need to do is unpack boxes to help the main character move into new locations. Each new home provides a glimpse into an overarching story that slowly takes form. Aside from this unique perspective, the game includes a fantastic and nostalgic retro design, plus a cute soundtrack that’s perfect for relaxed unpacking.

Good Pizza, Great Pizza

Maybe you don’t want your mind to go entirely idle during a midday work break. If that’s the case, then download Good Pizza, Great Pizza. This game requires players to manage a pizza store and fulfill customer orders as quickly and accurately as possible. As time goes on, the demands increase, requiring players to keep cranking out pizzas. It’s a perfect casual challenge that will keep your brain moving in the meantime.

Monster Prom

Simulations are great casual fun (more on this below). Simulations can cover any type of activity and have proved popular within the realm of romance. Enter the fun behind Monster Prom. This game puts players into the shoes of a high school student desperate to find a date for the upcoming prom. The only twist is that they attend Monster Academy, a high school populated by monsters of all stripes. If you like hilarious writing and intriguing setups, this is a great game for you.

Mini Metro

This hugely popular puzzle game has stood the test of time since its 2015 release—and that’s for a good reason. This highly playable game requires players to put together an efficient subway/metro system. Similar to Good Pizza, Great Pizza, the challenges become more and more difficult, which means your brain won’t totally turn off during a playing session. This game is geared toward those with analytical and logical minds, as each move must be highly efficient as the organizational demands of the game progress.