Seek healthy diversions, such as getting lost in history

As the months and years move along, sometimes it helps with grief to have some interesting diversions. For instance, getting lost in reading history helps for me. Part of history that is intriguing to me is the long evolution of what is now modern Europe.

Well, I recently ordered a comprehensive history called "The Burgundians" (Bart Van Loo, Publikum, 2019). It's about a large and, in early times, disputed area - covering a big swath of what today is part of modern day France and the Netherlands.

This book is a mighty volume spanning a vast sweep of history, rivalries, wars and evolving culture. I'm just starting it. Beautifully written, it will keep me busy all summer. A great diversion because I know almost nothing about the history of this area, so there's lots to learn.

Now that I think about it, I really never studied much of anything about European history, except what I've learned on my own, mostly about Scandinavia. Not in high school, not in university. So here's a chance to learn more.

I originally got interested in the history of Europe by following the exploits of the Vikings and their incursions onto the continent. But this history of the Burgundians is new to me. Very engaging and written to intrigue, this book was recommended to me by my friend Diane from Long Island, who said she read it in "morsels."

I love the idea of "history morsels," so that's how I'm reading it - in morsels.

In my experience, it's good for the bereaved to have several diversionary interests and hobbies for many reasons - for relaxation, to keep oneself company, for discovering new ideas, for entertainment, and certainly these are all helpful in coping with stress and coping with grief.

Many of us must contend with long-term grief, and getting lost in history can help. But if reading history is not your cup of tea, there are wonderful and interesting novels to read in every genre, and endless documentaries out there on TV, Netflix, Prime Video and on and on. Reading is only one of many diversions.

I have other diversions of course. For me, chief among them are cooking, collecting roosters, my kitties, my patio garden, writing - a long list.

The point is: It is worth taking inventory of your own diversions or potential diversions and cultivate them. They are very useful when you are feeling down or just need a break and want to relax. The possibilities are many, almost endless. It's worth trying.

Maybe you already do this. If not, try it you may like it.

• Susan Anderson-Khleif of Sleepy Hollow has a doctorate in family sociology from Harvard, taught at Wellesley College and is a retired Motorola executive. Contact her at sakhleif@comcast.net or see her blog longtermgrief.tumblr.com. See previous columns at www.dailyherald.com/topics/Anderson-Kleif-Susan.