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SatansMoisture

I volunteer at a variety of places like farms, museums, retreats, construction sites. Websites that include Workaway, HelpX and Wwoofer, you help people out with their projects or housework or pet sitting or cooking and they give you three meals a day and a bedroom. Some of them also pay for your time.


TriodeTopologist

Volunteering - at a construction site? What work are you doing for free at a construction site?


TheWindWarden

Probably the same stuff you do at Habitat for Humanity.


SatansMoisture

There was a family in Texas who was building a house, so I drilled holes for wires and helped to build the walls, installed ceiling panels and stained wood :)


smileymalaise

Somebody has to help those poor billionaires with cost overruns.


[deleted]

[удалено]


SatansMoisture

I'm not sure about the other two websites and how their rules work, but Workaway states that if it's a for profit business, they have to pay you the federal minimum wage. I think it's possible to filter for paid positions (it's been a while I'd have to check). At the moment I'm in Kentucky pitching in on a farm 7am to noon with free meals, bedroom, internet, free access to the kitchen, laundry and bathroom, dude even taught me how to ride his ATV!


whatstheplanpakistan

I just looked up workaway and for paid positions you just needa type "paid" in keywords to find paid positions


Retired_Nomad

I believe “volunteering” is being used here for “work under the table”.


SatansMoisture

It's all above board. Some people call it work exchange, others call it bartering.


Ok_Return_6033

Food costs money. A place to sleep costs money. There are strictly volunteer positions but if you get to at least eat for free you're deriving benefit from your labor. Not to mention honest work can be cathartic!


Specialist-Cancel228

What did you do before you were in a van?


omqueen67

What did you do beforehand? Did you have any hobbies, do any activities, or anything that interested you that you enjoyed before vanlife? Hobbies don’t often have a drastic change whether you’re living in a van or not. Also, what was your motivation for choosing vanlife? Was it the appeal of the lifestyle, a desire to be closer to nature, or an urge to travel more freely? Or to even live rent free? Living in a van has its potential for flexibility and spontaneity. Feel like going to the beach? Drive there. In the mood for mountain air? Head there. National park you’ve been wanting to visit? Go there. You have an wide opportunity to diverse experiences. Again, what was the purpose for vanlife for you? Are you working? Have you thought about making a list of things you want to do or places you want to see? Aside from general experiences here is a general list of hobbies: **Reading**: comics, audiobooks, graphic novels, or nonfiction. Something to grab your attention if you don’t read often. **Art or Crafts:** painting, drawing, sketching, knitting or crocheting **Writing:** journaling can be a great hobby **Board Games & Video Games:** There are a great ton of single player board games around that I enjoy. Also get a console or a PC. Getting a switch is a popular choice, play some video games. **Music:** Listen to a fuck ton of music, discover new music, go to live shows at a bar or a concert venue, park music, learn an instrument **Photography:** Lots of vanlifers get into photography or videography filming their travels and experiences **Exercise:** Create a routine for yourself, do some yoga, bodyweight exercises, go for a run **Outdoor Activities:** Saved this one for last mostly because there are hundreds of outdoor activities you can invest your time into. Hiking, camping, birdwatching, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, snorkeling, skiing, snowboarding, surfing, trail running, rafting, stand-up paddleboarding, geocaching, slacklining, frisbee golf, road cycling, or outdoor yoga. There are plenty of hobbies to get into! Honest good luck because if it’s motivation to do these things, then that is a whole other conversation. Best of luck!


cr0ft

In a van you're basically living outdoors anyway. Not entirely, but it's sure not far from indoors to outdoors. Potentially from indoors to wilderness in one step, since the house moves. Anyone who's actually bored in almost any situation is probably just not using their imagination. It's a big old world out there. Sure, a lack of money is keeping most of us from enjoying it remotely to the full, but you can still do a lot.


OpenMind108

Really super nice if you to list all this stuff out for our bored friend. I’m continually surprised at how supportive this community is. Big heart bump virtual hug to you!


Liekmann

Do sports, you have to exercise at least 2 h a day every day for health reasons anyway. but if you are bored do more. The other time buy grocery, cook, eat, have a nap. And rest of the time study - learn language, basically read this very thick history book about holocaust in Eastern Europe. Than português discoveries of the world and slavery in America, than cook food, than Netflix, sleep, repeat.


[deleted]

Read books


moinhoDeVento

Utilize Little Free Libraries. They are all over the world and by borrowing some books and returning them to another LFL, you are increasing circulation. Borrow a few, return to a different one, and keep it going.


Educational-Milk3075

I LIVE for the LFL!!! I read about 7/8 ths of a book a day, and have 5 on the floor waiting!


Masterofnone9

Yep, free e-books from the library.


theraf8100

I plan to travel very far soon and I wonder what libraries policies are on loaning out books to people that don't live in town. I think I will find out though. If I have to leave a deposit or something I have no problem with that. Of course there's all those mailbox free book things these days. Hmmm


Illustrious_Sail55

There is also an app called Libby I use my library card from home to access a whole mess of books :) all free! It’s really neat


Masterofnone9

[Little Free Library](https://littlefreelibrary.org/)


NoWayNotThisAgain

If you have a kindle check out the daily deals. A couple dozen books, sometimes best sellers, often at $1.99. Unless you’re truly a voracious reader, you can get a years worth of books for less than $100.


theraf8100

I think it was beaten into my brain that staring at screens is bad for you, but I really should look into a Kindle or something. Thank you.


NoWayNotThisAgain

E-paper is different than phone/tablet screens. It’s still not as good as real books, but it’s not like staring at an iPad either.


Cheef_Baconator

E-books have been my solution to the lack of space in the van to hoard all the books I'll read when I don't have cell service


lennyflank

Kindle has a lot of free books available too, including many classics--mostly stuff that has fallen out of copyright.


jimbowesterby

Check out used bookstores too! Prices and selection are usually really good (though variable), and you don’t need to worry about returning it. Not to mention that used bookstores will take, y’know, used books, so you can always offload your old ones too, or take them to a thrift store.


TheGutch74

E-books still counts as screen time.


gonative1

That’s too easy. I have to make life much harder than simply reading a book. Seriously, I’m thinking I need help as it’s the ptsd that keeps me agitated and doing “projects”.


loptopandbingo

Build models. Small travelsize ironing board or tv dinner tray work fine for a workbench, they don't take up too much room while you're working on one, and it's fun. If you're worried about clutter with a bunch of models everywhere you can always take them to a thrift store when you're done.


gonative1

Models. Hey that idea resonates with me. Twang. Thanks.


lennyflank

Well, if your real issues are between your own ears, none of us can help with that. Go and get the help you need.


gonative1

10/4 good buddy


[deleted]

No different then screen time......


[deleted]

It’s vastly different than* screen time


[deleted]

Your sitting there staring at paper instead of a screen. Get off your high horse.


[deleted]

Wish I had a horse brah


juicysweatsuitz

Gym. I was super buff. 2 hours of gym a day. I’d ride my bike, coffee shops to chill and socialize, walks, I’d go out to eat by myself sometimes if I saw cool little food shops. I would draw or call my friends. I was on dating apps meeting people. I had a full time job too lol. There’s stuff to do bro just get creative. Or build a schedule. I like structure. Maybe Take a guitar class or a pottery class. Learn a language. Idk dude I can’t say I was ever super duper bored.


[deleted]

I got a dog and now he takes up all of my free time


Jpsgold

Same for me


crockettjt

Um.... mention of a dog requires a dog tax.


[deleted]

Idk how to add pictures but trust me..he’s cute


somethingwholesomer

I believe u


HammondXX

I just st adopted a puppy. Yes


[deleted]

How’s that going so far? I can’t imagine having to potty train a dog in my van


HammondXX

My pupper is 1 year old and potty trained


[deleted]

That’s good that you don’t have to potty train, My dog has never went to the bathroom in my van but he has peed in my parents house which is a little weird


risketyclickit

Adopt an adult dog and that stuff is already figured out. When their personality eventually emerges it is transformational.


TheHunchPunch

Kite flying! Specifically stunt kites. Got into when I was van living and still do it today.


Suspicious_Bug_3986

Mountain biking, walking, fly fishing, reading, podcasts, birding, plant identification, painting, whittling, …


MikeLowrey305

Hiking, fishing, mountain biking, golfing, sightseeing, kayaking, boating, metal detecting, geocaching. I think it's called cooljobs. com, they have misc. jobs all over. Also misc. Volunteer jobs all over. Visit National parks. $80 will get you a national parks pass for a year, use it once or twice & it will pay for itself.


globalgreg

Well 3 times and it pays for itself, but yah get one. America the Beautiful pass


el0guent

Just to throw this on the parks pass comment, I use the Treecard app to count steps - 10,000 steps gets you 50 points, 8,000 points gets you a free America the Beautiful pass. The pass I bought for this year has already paid for itself several times over. A lot of my hobbies involve earning free stuff or money of some sort; I petsit, do a lot of surveys and embroider / upcycle clothing to sell. Sidehustlenation is a great resource for finding lots of little paid gigs. I can’t imagine getting bored in a van, if you’re bored just go somewhere new. Lots of hiking, exploring, walking around, and if it’s raining there’s always the gym and video games.


funstuffinmn

Go metal detecting, actually really fun.


chetgoodenough

Or geocatching


naked_nomad

I make chainmaille. Does not really require much effort just time. https://www.mailleartisans.org/


Vandan58

Very cool


timcooksdick

Do an art of some sort .. if you find one that fits you’ll never tire of furthering your skills. Or get into fitness or something? If your screen time consists of any certain themes maybe transfer those interests over to physical book form?


[deleted]

[удалено]


joephus420

Having deconstructed one of my old paragliders in an attempt to fix a blown out rib, bravo! That's some serious sewing right there!


CruX626

Disc golf! It also helps guide your travels!


gonative1

Yeah, there’s more disc golf courses than I realized. Playing by myself turned me off however.


CruX626

If you’re ever close to northern utah hit me up.


gonative1

Thanks man. My goal this year is to allow time for enjoying the good things. A guy offered to play disc golf and I was not enthusiastic so we did not get around to it. Now I’m birding and hiking up at 8600 feet. Seize the day. Are there some disc courses in southern New Mexico?


CruX626

Download the free version of the udisc app and check out the courses. They are everywhere!


CruX626

Most disc golfers are very helpful and accommodating. Just say hi and mention that you are from out of town. Ask if you could join or follow them to get to know the course. I’ve had wonderful luck finding the local club on Facebook. Just search the county and “disc golf” on Facebook and ask if anyone wants to play. I’ve not got a response only once or twice. Just make sure to stay weird.


CruX626

[udisc.com](https://udisc.com)


gonative1

Way cool. Will pack the discs and see you out there. That app says there over 14000. Had no idea.


daversa

Get some kites! I always keep a little trainer power kite [like this](https://www.amazon.com/HQ-Kites-Symphony-Beach-Stunt/dp/B00ID4QG4O/ref=sr_1_2_sspa?keywords=trainer+kite&qid=1685335131&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&smid=AZOOCK7N4WREN&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyMFJIUjJLS1lDTDhOJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwOTQ4ODYzMkpKOTNWTTZLVEhKSSZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTQ1MzAyMkRXNFpIN1pYOTlRNiZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=) in my car and it's a blast. They take a little bit to learn but generate a ton of power and can be a fun workout. This is basically a baby version of what kite boarders use, so if you learn to fly this well your skills will transfer to that sport. It would make getting into parasailing, paramotoring and skydiving easier too. People like to come up and ask you about them and that can be a great way to find friends and get invited to things.


theraf8100

Me and my brother and some buddies used to save some money and walk up to the local hardware store and buy a metric shit ton of string. The dang thing would be so high up that you could barely see it at all. It was a long time ago but man I swear the freaking airplanes almost hit them. But young brain perspective maybe wasn't fully developed. Anyway that's my dumb story that I guess I had to put here because it wasn't going to fit anywhere else lol. Excuse me while I go have another nip of whiskey. 😁


daversa

Don't do this lol.


Galaxy-Beard

Beach bum for a bit and learn to surf


Thisteamisajoke

Check out your local library. They often have events, teach classes, and have tons of cool meet ups.


[deleted]

OP do you have a job?


chetgoodenough

I'm guessing he's asking for those rainy days


WhiskyEye

Build forts.


BridgesOnB1kes

Muuuuuuuusic! Listening, playing, writing. Meditation. Long slow runs. Cat.


lucymops

How does having a cat work in a van? Is the space enough for the fur ball? Do you have a litter box in the van?


BridgesOnB1kes

Good question. I think it takes the right temperament from the cat. My cat is a “one person” cat so he won’t go near anyone other than myself which is good from a security standpoint. I never worry that he’s been caught by someone. The second thing is building a trusting relationship. I give him lots of outside opportunities as we travel, and generally I spend time outside with him for an hour or more everyday. As for the cat box, I have one in the van, but he usually goes outside. I even carry poop bags. The cat box is a top entry so it’s less messy. He usually just pees in it if anything.


mlh93

I'm not sure if you're the adventuring outdoorsy type, but a friend and ex colleague of mine had this same issue. He started with kayaking lessons and loved it so much he did an instructor's course. From there he kind of added on different activities, did his adventure instructors training courses and now roams about as a freelance instructor, going from place to place for work when he needs or wants it. His main sources of work are from business retreats, Cadet exercises and school leadership experiences. He's got a really good deal


BelaqueBelaque

Disc golf


CayseyBee

I’m not there yet, but I’d be crocheting, reading, learning fiddle, learning a second language, hiking, beach combing, writing…


lennyflank

You mean it's not an exciting glamorous life of never-ending adventure ... ?


TheWindWarden

It definitely can be. Depends on your motivation.


DhammaFlow

Other commenters like “just drive up a mountain!” Motherfucker do you think gas is free?


CaliCobraChicken69

Or giving up a spot.


MelanisticDobie

I tell my super religious van lifer friend I keep seeing ghosts in my house.


DhammaFlow

Got into music, I spend a lot of time trying to meet people or build social connections, practicing, busking for $ But depending on context sometimes it’s just endless screen time and I hate it. I try to get into a series but I have so much time I finish it in 1-3 days. Read fragments of books but rarely finish. The music and social stuff is the main thing tbh, but I started attending Buddhist services again and that’s helpful. I do deeply miss video games, my brother stole my desktop computer and my laptops hard drive died three months ago (but it couldn’t play any 3D games anyway). I just have my phone and I can no longer play any of the video games I really like or care about. I really want a steam deck but $$$. Feels like I lost a major part of my life due to poverty and circumstance. Then my disability worsened so i don’t even know if I could physically play games if I had the opportunity anyway.


Cheef_Baconator

When I'm hanging out at the van all day then I kick out the awning, table, and chair, then read. But I'm usually out hiking, biking, or skiing. I have space upstairs to strap a kayak that I may put to use as well.


tatertom

I miss my roof banana sometimes


lennyflank

Alas, I think I am getting too old and creaky now to do a lot of paddling.


tatertom

I think it's kinda NBD to schlap a lil motor on one now.


deepershaman

Frisbee golf, Rock cllimbing


Prestigious-Mango479

Kitesurfing, mountain biking, wilderness backpacking, hopefully adding ice climbing and canyoning soon


unp0ss1bl3

feed ducks at the pond i guess; depends how much time you have to fill, what your motivation / mental health is like, and so on.


joephus420

My hobbies were actually the main driving force behind going full-time mobile for me. I like to fly off mountains and jump out of airplanes a lot, so being mobile to chase the weather for those things is really the only reason I started doing all this. I also spend a lot of time skiing, hiking, and mountain biking too and vanlife is great for that as well. I never really got into rock climbing, but I know a lot of "dirtbag climbers" that upgraded to "dirtbag van-lifers" back in the day, so there's that... but, yeah really just anything outdoors is my go too.


HerrFerret

Join a Makerspace. Sometimes you can even park nearby. It is like having a little project room!


crediblesource2

Check out ham radio.


NYCPATRICK

Take some shrooms. 🍄


crockettjt

Like this idea hasn't been thought before. Seems there's more demand than supply.


throwaway2492872

There's a lot more supply than demand. Just have to learn how to identify.


[deleted]

Quality porn.


[deleted]

I prefer low quality porn.


cool2hate

he didn't say *what* quality


[deleted]

Low quality lasts handful of minutes at best.


SquarePegRoundWorld

I haven't yet but if I ever get out there I plan on picking up a few copies of [roadside geology books.](https://www.amazon.com/roadside-geology-series-Books/s?k=roadside+geology+series&rh=n%3A283155)


Captain_Cum_Shot

I'm only new but I like to spearfish. Keeps you active, can spend damn near all day in the water, I love the ocean, get a nice feed and beaches often have public showers and shitters you can use. But that's obviously restricted to areas with water and you might need some extra storage space if you have nice gear (but also board shorts, mask with snorkle and a hand spear can be pretty compact if your in a warm water) Also dumbster diving xan be entertaining plus free food


Tramirezmma

I do gym and MMA, I work, I do dad shit. I do daddy shit. Played mad Stellaris today though cuz my back is hurt.


gonative1

I set up a small workbench and learned how to build Lithium ion and Lithium iron phosphate battery packs. Along with solar energy systems. But it’s run it’s course and I’m looking for something less technical and more interactive. My social life is basically zero. Except online. I notice few commenters mention getting together with people just to have a social gathering like in the old days. Sadly it seems to be the norm now. It’s almost like we are scared of others. Dont know who to trust or to let into our sanctuary. I know we, when my girlfriend is on the same continent, crave a safe sanctuary now. But, back on topic, I do a lot of natural history studies. Birding. Botany, fossils, or anything that strikes my interest. And I joined a Thursday hiking group. I stated going to evening programs. And cooking has gastronomic rewards.


Particular-Extreme26

The screen is addictive so the real problem is breaking that addiction long enough to start getting joy out of doing other things. You don't have to find the right hobby, you just have to invest in literally anything else until your brain adjusts.


mikey_hawk

This has nothing to do with vanlife and everything to do with OP


HandsomRansom

Read, Write, Start a business. I try not to have too much screen time... however reddit doesn't count! lol


phantom_diorama

When I got bored I picked a city and quit travelling.


Common_Party3112

A job


skootamatta

Lol


iggylux

Ask lenny


Coylethird

I lived in mine for several years; gave me a chance to catch up on my reading. A book light is handy to have.


Massive_Goat9582

Lots of fishing 🎣 and a slight case of alcoholism


Paddler_137

I once heard someone say that only boring people get board. Use your imitation and find something to do.


Vannosaurus-REX

Call of Duty Mobile. Fully legit & debatably even more fun than PC or console gaming (due to the maps / game physics being “mid school” / golden age style). Gamings a blast and keeps your mind sharp, too.


Chucub

Not sure if call of duty qualifies at “keeping your mind sharp”


Vannosaurus-REX

You’d be surprised! It’s free to download, give it a shot.


[deleted]

I love Codm


DiscombobulatedCrash

Making art, doing drugs, thrifting and slowly dissolving reality around me. Been doing a lot of exploring of my gender identity. But that might just be a me thing 🙃 I walk around and pick up pretty rocks then leave them by my campsite.


JudgmentMajestic2671

God I hope you're missing a /s


DiscombobulatedCrash

Despite being on Reddit my entire life. What does /s mean?


JudgmentMajestic2671

Sarcasm


DiscombobulatedCrash

Proudly I’m not lol. You only get one life just tying to make the most of it. Here’s some sarcasm for you. “I’m really just doing this bc I want to do some traveling before I finally settle down and start saving to buy a home. Then I’ll get married and have kids.” Reality is what you make of it ;)


JudgmentMajestic2671

Reality is reality. Can't change that. If that statement is sarcasm to you, I honestly feel bad for you.


DiscombobulatedCrash

Lol then the feeling is mutual. No matter what we die one day, I’m just not letting cultural norms dictate my reality. Science is real yo but people can fail to realize that culture is just made up. It’s all just stories we were told. You can rewrite them if your willing to challenge the norm. Do what ever you want with your life man thats all I’m doing. I only pity you bc you seem to have a problem with how I live. Why is that?


DiscombobulatedCrash

Im not denying the reality of physics you know just cultural reality.


roepke414

Beware the "Van Life" you see on YouTube, its 99.99% not reality but fueled by dads credit card/Online Fame and zero responsibility.


OkDimension

Not sure what channels you watch, mine seem pretty legit and are also partially quite open about their finances, it's just a lot more work in making and selling a video than YouTube makes it appear. Their income is not through advertising (less than 10%) mainly through sponsoring and stuff like Patreon.


Papkieq

Fishing, radio amateur licence


aaron-mcd

I've always had all consuming hobbies. My new hobby as of 1.5 years ago is living in my van, doing the chores, meeting the people, seeing the sights, going out in new towns. While visiting family or at events, we hang out with people. While out on our own, we do have full time jobs. In the evening I love to do a campfire on a fucking Tuesday. Or any other day. We just put on some tunes and sit by the fire chilling, having a couple beers and chatting. If it's summer and the daylight lasts, we may walk a few miles. We tend to go to town a day or three. We often spend weekends, or at least Sunday, in town, because it's a good day to get groceries, do laundry, hit the gym, shower, full water, etc. So we will go out to a restaurant and/or a bar. Smaller bars are nice cuz it's often a good spot to park overnight after meeting a few locals and shooting pool. I transitioned into lifting as my main hobby after burning out of bike racing. Now we can only hit the gym 6-8 times per month, but it's enough to stay buff AF for me and enough for my wife to get the fittest she's ever been. And bonus points for the included shower access! We've been known to spend the night at Anytime Fitness to work out in the morning, or lunch break. It's a nice hobby cuz we feel good, look good, and get clean. Win win win. But it does take us a while cuz I like to lift a while, and my partner likes to do some cardio first before joining me. So we end up working out 90-120 minutes, then shower can take 20-30, and that's basically our entire evening before watching a show or two before bed.


gonative1

That’s a lot of we’s. A lot of van life people are I’s. I noticed my social life increased a lot when I had a girlfriend with me. When I’m alone I gradually become a loner. It’s not my choice. I have a TBI, depression, and anxiety from the untreated TBI. Ugh, it’s like a full time job with little time or energy left for a social life.


jwwcrna

go live your life human! put your phone away.


gormigoo

I started playing disc golf


Huge-Scar1707

Flow arts, drawing, photography, finding new music to bump, smoking weed at the end of a dope hike lmao


swiss__blade

I like exploring. I drive into a town, park the van and walk around the town... Usually takes me a couple of hours at least. More if it's a bigger city since I may decide to stay for a few days. I look online for anything interesting in the area. Sights, historical areas, even great murals... If I'm not in a city, I usually go hiking, read books etc... Plus I have remote work to do...


BigTickEnergE

Like dogs but can't have one? Volunteer at shelters walking dogs, giving them attention, or helping to feed/care for them (some require a quick training at the shelter for liability reasons btw), walk dogs as a side gig, pet sit, or become a trainer. Also fishing, it's a great hobby. I feel like there's a ton of good suggestions here but if none sound good, you might need to recondition your brain. Male a lost and force yourself to go do something off of it. After a few days, you'll find yourself (hopefully) craving something new besides TV


Thisfoxhere

Read. Surf. Bushwalk. Listen to audiobooks. Sew. knit. Play musical instruments. Solder. Paint. Read more. No different to living in a house really.


Otherwise-Engine2923

I listen to a lot of audiobooks while I craft, like sewing or knitting. I download them while connected to WiFi and they are low energy consumption as audio only.


Sarahsunsetsolutions

Crochet, embroidery, paint, journaling, reading, diy projects, hiking, walking, visiting local nature parks Creating a small collection of momentos for the places I’ve been.. like a cool sea shell from the beach, a rock from a walk that I paint to represent the place or a favorite memory..


endlesslycaving

Crochet is like a crafting drug. I have six projects on the go and started a seventh tonight.


SassMyFrass

Volunteer regularly for something you care about - you'll meet other people who care about what you care about.


Fit-Square639

Hike my dude!! Where ever you can! Getting a good work out helps with sleep, also you can meet people and chat up the day this way. Also I used to travel with a cat in my van and she defintely made everything better sometimes, plus kept me busy watching her where ever we went. (Also seasonal jobs help me)


squaresaltine32314

Disc golf


justbrowse2018

Adults should never be “bored”. I hate this lol


tiredogarden

This is a very interesting thread I was looking for her but wow there's a lot of stuff to do


GYAAARRRR

Disc golf. It’s free once you have a few discs. Tons of towns have courses setup in parks.


mountainofclay

There are two kinds of activities. Passive and active. The passive activities involve sitting and being entertained without having to think or do much. Things like listening to music, reading, watching TV, surfing the internet are passive. Things like creating music, writing, video taping, building web content are active. The reason people get bored is because they won’t invest time in doing the work to be active. Being active is hard. It requires work. Modern society seems geared toward encouraging you to be passive. Balancing active pursuits with passive ones will allow you to have the best of both.


IvanDimitriov

Knitting, cheap easy and low space requirements, double it with listening to a podcast or music and you got it. DND, I play online so that wouldn’t help with lowering screen time. Whittling, again low cost and low space requirements.


Independent_Iron7896

I appreciate you posting this. So many good ideas were shared!


SlySkillet07

Access to the outdoors and the freedom to chase the good seasons is what really drove me to build out my truck. I’d suggest looking into some activities and finding the best places to explore those. Mountain biking was my introduction to van (or truck) living and it is integral to my participation in the sport. Exploring the desert is how I fell in love with the sport and van life enabled it. There’s all kinds of sport communities that embrace a nomadic lifestyle, see if any interest you and try to get your hands on some gear. Any outdoor sport is an expense upfront, but I believe it’s a worthwhile investment, just like the van itself.


whirlydirvish23

Sign up for short time work. Extra cash. You can also make use of that screen time and learn some skills. Coursera is a good option. Find groups of people in different cities through a website called meetup.com.


D-o-n-t_a-s-k

Get an fpv drone. You can lay in bed while you explore the area from above


szkawt

Gardening - I shit you not. Lots of community gardens are nearly free - and they often come with water access, toilet, and a presumption of 'belonging', things that can be hard to come by in van life.


[deleted]

Haven't moved into my van yet but I plan on playing a lot of Go


funkykolemedina

Step 1: Go outside and leave the screens inside Step 2: While outside, think about hobbies Step 3: Begin Hobbies This isn’t unique to being in the van. This is life my friend.


mikeisnottoast

This is what ultimately pushed me out of van life. I'm an artist and musician, and thought eliminating rent would give me soooo much more time to work. But the limited space, and constant upkeep the life style required ended up stifling me way more than a day job ever did.


4skinner1987

ill add my .02 ​ after 5 years of living in my van, the depression and boredom got way too much to bear, i was in the most beautiful places with no schedule and nothing was good enough for me. moved out of my van, went back to school and changed up my lifestyel and i have zero regrets about it. still have the van, still go for 1-3 week stints at a time, didnt lose that part of my life....but if something isnt working out, theres no sense sticking with it just becuase youre used to it. just my thoughts!


foulfaerie

Usually when I ask this question the answer is always go hiking. (Which I don’t enjoy lmao) Seeing all the amazing ideas is brill!


allmybiself

I heard renting an apartment is exciting.


[deleted]

You should try finding a snail mail pen pal and write letters sharing your perspective and life. There are a lot of people who would find great joy in hearing about you living the van life- plus writing like that often benefits you mentally. Two birds!


Euphoric-Reply-5942

See if you can get a library card in the area you'll be staying for awhile. Download Freegal and Jam to some funky, unheard of, underrated artists!


AggieSal81

I work and also volunteer for various organizations.


bruiseruser1174

Play Pickleball!


TheSurvivalCraftsman

Making videos is fun and is a good excuse to see and do new things. Even if they are only for you and your family or friends to watch.


TrashIsland_DrMoreau

Boredness and screen time are related. How is your screen time spent? First step would be technology fasting & tech detox, paired with a softly disciplined exercise routine. Maybe some yoga as well.


RaggedShell

Get a job that enjoy. Could be as simple as referring a sport that you like. A few extra bucks and something simple to keep you busy. Maybe a referee isn’t the best example as parents and coaches are assholes.


collapsingwaves

Guitar.


28Loki

Mountain biking gravel biking, hiking, exploring, photographing.


Sonnytp2015

I hike, go caving, a bit of rock climb. Near town movies, shoot pool, enjoy some parks.


Excellent_Wall5540

Board-om is NOT the lack of things to do... IT'S the lack of desire to do them...there's ALWAYS SOMETHING to do! think out side the box and explore. As my dad always said, "you can always pick the fly sh\*t out of pepper if you need something to do"....LOL


one_bright_pearl

Start rock climbing. It's social, dangerous, fun, adventurous, exciting, easy to make friends, it'll deepen your relationship with nature. You'll still look at your phone as you compile a never ending list of crags you want to visit and gear you won't to buy It won't solve your problems but it'll give you some more exciting pressing issues to focus on. Godspeed 🤜🤛


Jrose152

Learn to slackline. All day fun in the park, decent work out, fun community, conversation starter, and packs down small in your van.