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what do you give up for lent

For Lent, people usually give up (or add) things that help them grow closer to God, break unhealthy habits, and make more room for prayer and charity.

Quick Scoop

Lent is a 40‑day season (not counting Sundays) when many Christians practice three big things: prayer , fasting, and almsgiving (generosity). The “giving up” part is meant to be a sacrifice that actually costs you something, but also genuinely helps you become more loving and free, not just miserable.

Popular Things People Give Up

These are classic, very common Lenten sacrifices.

  • Sweets (chocolate, desserts, candy, pastries).
  • Sugary drinks (soda, sweetened coffee drinks, energy drinks).
  • Alcohol (wine, beer, cocktails, social drinking).
  • Meat (especially more than just Fridays, or all meat except Sundays).
  • Fast food and takeout (choosing simple home‑cooked meals instead).
  • Junk food and snacks (chips, fries, fried foods, processed foods).
  • Caffeine or coffee (either completely or cutting way back).
  • Smoking or vaping (often paired with trying to quit altogether).
  • Eating between meals (snacking, “grazing” all day).

Many people pick one of these because it’s clear, simple, and easy to remember in daily life.

Non‑Food Habits You Can Give Up

Lent isn’t only about food; it can target distractions and attitudes too.

  • Social media (scrolling limits, deleting certain apps, no social media after a set time).
  • Streaming/TV/gaming (no shows on weekdays, no gaming after dinner, one “screen‑free” evening).
  • Shopping and impulse buying (no non‑essential purchases, no browsing shopping apps for fun).
  • Complaining, gossip, or negative talk (catching yourself and replacing it with gratitude or silence).
  • Swearing or using God’s name casually (being intentional and respectful with speech).
  • Tardiness or disorganization (giving up “running late” by planning ahead).
  • Over‑scheduling (leaving pockets of time open for family, prayer, rest).

Forums where people share Lenten ideas are full of these kinds of lifestyle changes, since they hit everyday weaknesses like scrolling, snacking, or constant noise.

Things to Add (Not Just Give Up)

A lot of modern advice says: don’t just give something up—add something good too.

  • Daily prayer commitment (set time each day, a specific prayer, or reading a Psalm).
  • Bible or spiritual reading (e.g., one chapter a day, or 10 minutes of quiet reading).
  • Mass or church more often (like adding one weekday service when possible).
  • Acts of charity:
    • Donating regularly to a chosen charity.
    • Volunteering once a week.
    • Doing one intentional kind act each day.
  • Gratitude habit (writing three things you’re grateful for every day).
  • Reaching out: texting/calling someone who might feel lonely once a week.

Some guides frame it this way: give up time, food, or money so you can redirect them into prayer, fasting, and giving.

How to Choose What You Should Give Up

Think less “random challenge” and more “spiritual training plan.”

Ask yourself:

  1. What has a grip on me right now?
    • Something you “can’t imagine” going without (scrolling, snacks, shopping, gaming) is often a strong candidate.
  1. What makes me less loving?
    • If something feeds impatience, anger, or distraction from people (like constant phone use), scaling it back for Lent can be powerful.
  1. Can I realistically keep this up for 40 days?
    • A good Lenten practice is challenging but not impossible. It should stretch you, not break you.
  1. How will I connect this to God and others?
    • Example: Give up buying coffee out, and each week give that money to a charity or someone in need.

A simple rule of thumb:
Pick one thing to give up, one thing to add in prayer, and one way to be more generous.

Mini Example: A Realistic Lenten Plan

Here’s a sample 40‑day plan that many people could actually live with.

  • Give up:
    • Dessert and sugary drinks on weekdays.
* Social media after 8 p.m.
  • Add:
    • 10 minutes of quiet prayer or Bible reading every day.
* One concrete act of kindness or generosity each week (donation, helping someone, visiting or calling).
  • Focus:
    • When you feel the “pull” (craving dessert, wanting to scroll), use that as a reminder to say a quick prayer or think of someone to help.

Quick SEO‑Style Notes

  • Main phrase used: “what do you give up for Lent” for clarity and search intent.
  • This reflects current common practices and recent online discussions about Lenten sacrifices in 2025–2026.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.