Diversions are wonderful things that distract the mind and relax the body. Although initially to be diverted from a course might sound like a bad thing, in a day when the work week seems never-ending and vacations are always out of reach, diversions are a Godsend. They can be a way to connect with friends and family, discover a heritage (or pass on a passion to future generations), express a creative side, get exercise, relieve stress, and most of all, alleviate boredom. After all, diversions equal fun.



Collecting is a popular diversion, and since it depends on the interests of the individual collector, it can deal with literally any subject. People have been known to collect things from nature, architectural items, art, antiques, books, currency and stamps, household items, paper collectibles, products, technology, textiles, themed items, and toys. While some collections have the potential to be infinite, other collections can be completed, like acquiring every episode from Seinfeld. Collections don't have to be tangible either: some collectors engage in mileage collecting, train spotting, or systematically visiting all the states in the United States.

Crafts can also deal with almost any medium. Crafts include glassware, jewelry, ceramics, weavings, mixed media, and homemade clothes. There are crafts for children, and craft courses in colleges. At a time when machines can supply all practically all the physical needs of a population, crafts become even more important, as a way of sustaining traditions, an outlet for self-expression, and a means of countering the uniformity of mass production.

Gambling is a diversion that is known to have existed during all historical periods to all cultures of the world. Gambling has become especially popular in the last few years. The number of tourists making their way to Las Vegas, the most important gaming center in the world, has doubled since 1990. Not limited to casino gambling, horseracing, dog-racing, bingo and the lottery, are all popular types of gambling that can be read about in this section.

In today's frantic, highly-mobile society, the need to feel connected to something bigger than one's self has spawned the genealogy trend. Many people become interested in this diversion because they wonder about the real meaning of their last name, if they are related to someone famous, or where their ancestors came from. Genealogy enthusiasts can create elaborate family trees or design a homepage where they can share their findings with other family members and friends.

There are many natural wonders in the great outdoors: jagged mountains, sparkling lakes, green forests, and sandy beaches. They can be enjoyed in many ways, including hiking, swimming, skiing, and biking. In an age of high technology and elevated job stress, the outdoors is a wonderful place to relax, unwind, and reflect; a place to become rejuvenated and refreshed.

Participating in sports is a pastime that is centuries old. However most of the development in sports occurred in the past fifty years. Broadly defined as an activity that stresses physical skill and strength, today's sports have evolved to include strict rules and sophisticated equipment that measures distances, scores, and timing. Sports now have media coverage and loyal fans and spectators.

Whatever a person's idea of fun is, the answer to the age-old question "What do you want to do tonight?" can be found in Diversions.