I’ve been spending my free time (more often, insomnious nights) reading and watching how to build and manage a kitchen garden. While I don’t have a community garden near by, I do have space for a few planters to help offset some groceries or improve my diet.

I enjoy making things, whether in wood, metal, or printed plastic. So, I’m able to cut a lot of extraneous spending by just making what I need/want. It’s a hobby of its own, so I get enjoyment from it.

Pretty much, if I want or need something, I’ll learn how to make it myself. Recycle as much as possible. Scrap supplies often get turned into makeshift tools if nothing else. The solarpunk communities tend to be great resources on how to thrive with so little in this regard.

As to actually enjoying life? I found happiness joining art communities (specifically in VR) where creators share what they do best! There are very many lovely individuals with a lot of talent and these communities have been nearly all positive. It also builds a lot of inspiration to make stuff, too; feeding back into my own hobbies.