While your partner gets to go travel to some distant land, you’re stuck with the same old at home. But just because they get to have some new experiences, doesn’t mean you have to be stuck in the same rut at home.

Picking up a new hobby or catching up with friends that you’ve put off to focus on your relationship (which normally isn’t a good idea to begin with!). Here’s a list of hobby ideas. I’ll try to focus on ideas running on the less expensive side.

Photography by SuicideGirls.

Working out - Most areas will have at least some type of gym around. Focusing on your physical fitness will not only improve your health, it will keep you looking good for your partner when you are reunited. Depression lends itself to packing on pounds, so prevent that ahead of time!

Astronomy - All you need is a telescope and a few books to take up star searching. It might not be as social as some hobbies, but trying to pinpoint a constellation or remember a star’s name is mentally taxing, and educational.

Crafting - A number of different hobbies fall under this designation - jewelry making, models, crochet, knitting, carving, woodworking, scrap booking, painting, and candle making, among many many more. Most crafts require both mental focus and manual dexterity, and can help to fill in hours while you make something worthwhile.

Collecting - Whether it’s action figures or antiques, some people get a kick out of collecting things. This is probably the most expensive of hobbies that are listed here, although it all depends on what you choose to collect.

Competitive Games - These can take place on either the Internet or at local events, but there are a number of games and sports that you can participate in. Not only will this get you much needed social interaction, a focus on competition will keep you from moping! You might be athletic, or you might want to checkmate someone, but either way a healthy sense of competition can be fun and friendly.

Bird Watching - Just like astronomy, you don’t need much to get started with this! Some guide books and a pair of binoculars and you’re set. Take this time to get acquainted with the natural world. Most likely you won’t know just how much variety there is in the wilds around you!

Pets - This is another form of social interaction and distraction. This will also give you a focus for responsibility to help keep yourself in line while your partner is gone!

Gardening - Gardening can be almost meditative. It might be slow going to see your plants and flowers grow and bloom, but getting out and working in the dirt just has a soothing influence on a troubled mind.

Genealogy - Some people devote their entire lives to working their way through their family lineage. Put on your detective hat and work your way through the family tree, and present your partner with your efforts when they return!

Free Stuff - A somewhat off the wall hobby, some people like to see how many free offers and trials they can find on the Internet and other sources. There are a large amount of sites devoted to finding all the best free stuff, you just need to look!

Volunteer work - Most cities welcome volunteers for a myriad of jobs, and you will get to meet many new and hopefully interesting people. Plus you can’t have enough good karma.

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Tags: hobbies, long distance relationship, Long Distance Relationships, relationships, romantic ideas