Ash Wednesday is celebrated every year by Catholics across the world. The ashes of this holiday symbolize two main things: death and repentance. “Ashes are equivalent to dust, and human flesh is composed of dust or clay (Genesis 2:7), and when a human corpse decomposes, it returns to dust or ash.”

Ash Wednesday also marks the beginning of Lent, a day where we reflect and repent from sin. A Lenten fast doesn’t have to be just fasting and giving up the things we love, but it can also be adding things during this season that may make our lives more meaningful.

What should I give up for Lent?

What you decide to give up for Lent is completely personal and should be tailored to your own daily habits and patterns.

Listed below are some examples and ideas of things you can give up for lent.

1. Stop Sending Money on Non-necessities  

Food, gas, and bills. That’s it! Those are the things you NEED to spend money on. Limiting and becoming more aware of the instant gratification purchases can not only help you save money but will help with self discipline. Your money saved can be spent on different and more important things, such as charity donations or those in need.

“For Lent I’m giving up spending money on materialistic stuff and things I don’t need. I think it’s important I begin to think about all of the money I waste in order to get quick satisfaction”, says Junior Anna Zorgniotti.

2. Gossiping 

To many of us, whether we want to admit it or not, gossiping comes easy… too easy.

 It’s as simple as if you feel like you’re about to complain about someone or say something negative

Stop.

Gossiping and being negative all the time really drains our emotional state and mental well-being.  Sometimes gossip can be tempting and from time to time you can’t help but give in. Gossip can turn bad fast and negatively affect someone else’s life or even your own reputation.

Once you are known for talking poorly of those around you, those you gossip to will either just not trust you or will not want to be filled with your negativity. Giving this up for Lent can help you become more aware of the judgment you may partake in.

3. Take care of the body God gave you

Yea, it’s your life and your body- but taking time to care for yourself and the body God gave to you can be really beneficial.

Corinthians 6:19-20
“Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.” Corinthians 6:19-20

John 1:2
“Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”

Your physical health is just as important as your mental health and vice- versa. Whether it be eating more whole foods and limiting processed foods, or working out everyday, you’ll be benefiting yourself and forming a good habit.

“ For lent I’m trying to give up junk food and go to the gym more. I think that doing this will give me less time to be on my phone and from being unproductive,” said senior Elisa Ligero.

4. Limit your screen time

It’s very easy to become consumed with what you see on your phone. This is not only very time consuming, but it can be damaging to your real life relationships.

Cutting out 30 minutes everyday will soon add up and leave you with more time to give for prayer and productive habits.