Lockdown Pastime Ideas for US Veterans

A year after the lockdowns first began, we better understand what to expect from them. Research has shown that people take up various hobbies, from exercising indoors to learning a new language. But how about US veterans? Since some of them might not be able to pick up just any hobby or activity, we’ve thought of some pastime ideas that might be helpful. If you’re a US veteran, take a look at these seven ideas on killing time during the lockdown.

Online Sports Betting

As you know, sports are slowly making a comeback after almost a year of limited or no sports events. Whether you’re a football, basketball, or baseball fan, you are probably excited to see your favorite team back on the field. So why not place a bet or two on some of the top sports betting sites out there?

Make things interesting for both you and your sports buddies, and start betting against each other. Or team up and bet against other players around the world. There are plenty of betting opportunities, so check them all out before you start.

DIY Projects

How long have you been putting off completing that shelf in your garage? Are there any other projects that you have been putting off for ages? Now is your time to shine. Lockdown is the perfect opportunity to dedicate yourself to DIY projects. These will keep your hands busy and your negative thoughts at bay.

You can even purchase a book on DIYs or watch numerous YouTube videos that can teach you a thing or two. What’s more, you might learn a handy trick or even create items to sell. Think in terms of bird feeders, pot holders, coffee tables, or even cat houses. The world is your oyster, so get your creativity going.

Baking

First-time bakers might be a bit intimidated by this pastime, but starting simple is key. If you haven’t tried baking before, don’t go all in and try to bake a creme brulee. Instead, start with basic desserts like banana bread.

If you don’t have a favorite cookbook to follow, there are plenty of recipes online. You can even call up an old friend and ask for their cupcakes recipe. Use FaceTime or Zoom and catch up on a video call — kill two birds with one stone.

Gardening

If you have a garden, you’re one of the lucky ones. Taking care of your garden might have been a nuisance over the years, so it always looked half-done or deserted. Luckily, being in lockdown allows you to take care of things you haven’t had time for before.

We’re not talking about anything life-changing, just an excellent exercise for your mind and body. Not only can you bring some old plants to life, but you can also try growing new ones. For example, herbs might be a nice change of pace. You can use them later on for cooking and cut down on some of your expenses.

Online Quizzes

Interestingly, many people have dabbled in online quizzes in the past year. Since lockdown, interest in online activities has increased. That’s why online quizzes found their audience and significantly improved their content in the last year.

If you feel as if you have a lot of knowledge that you would like to put to the test, this might be a good solution. Some of those quizzes might even bring you a hefty reward or a cash prize. You never know.

Yoga

Your wellbeing and mental health should always come first, and many yogis swear by practicing yoga and meditating. What’s more, studies have shown that practicing yoga helps with anxiety, eases pain, boosts cognitive health, and improves concentration.

Since you can’t go to actual yoga classes, watch videos online or find an online yoga class. Either way, if you don’t have any experience on the mat, it might be safer to get the basics down first. Once you feel ready, you can incorporate yoga into your daily routine.

Art Projects

If you feel inspired to create art, why not try it? Whether you’re into painting, photography, drawing, or sculpting, you can better your skills during the lockdown. It’s proven that art helps people feel more at ease, especially during stressful times.

If you’ve never dabbled in art before, you can try a bit of everything. That way, you can discover what interests you the most and get better at it. After all, your art projects might turn into great gifts for your loved ones.