+1 gym. I go to the gym multiple times a week since covid lockdowns ended. not only has it improved my fitness and strength, but i now have the perfect cover to be out of the house for an hour or two. funnily enough i've never used this time to get up to no good because i do value the health benefits. i've also shown my significant other photos/videos of my progress (leg press, pull ups, etc), to further build credibility to this activity

i also have lots of ex-colleagues/friends that i try to stay in touch with, so i have used them in the past as a convenient excuse. Bonus points if you actually do catch up with that mate, and go punting after the catch up

helping elderly family with errands/health appointments, etc - i won't lie about this, but after my family obligations are done, i'll may add a punt in as an extra if the WL i'm keen on seeing is available. if i've been out 3hrs doing legit stuff, what's another hour?

approach these opportunities like cricket, as opposed to baseball i.e, you don't need to swing at everything, and you're allowed to let things through to the keeper if there's a chance of getting caught

approaching 13 years in the game now seeing privates, shop girls, and a couple of SBs