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what should i give up for lent

You can think about “what should I give up for Lent” in two ways: giving up a thing (coffee, social media, etc.) and giving up a habit or attitude (gossip, impatience, comparison). Both can be meaningful if they help you grow in love of God and others.

Quick Scoop: How to Choose

Ask yourself three simple questions:

  1. What actually has a hold on me?
    • What do you reach for automatically when you’re stressed or bored (phone, snacks, shopping, streaming)?
 * What would make you say “anything but that” if someone suggested you give it up? That’s often the thing worth looking at.
  1. What would open up more space for God and people?
    • If you give up a comfort, can you replace it with prayer, Scripture, or quiet reflection?
    • If you give up a habit, can you replace it with kindness, service, or gratitude messages?
  1. Is it challenging but realistic for 40 days?
    • Not “punish myself,” but stretch yourself.
    • Better to do one doable practice well than five heroic ones you drop by week two.

Classic “Stuff” to Give Up (Food, Drink, Screens)

Here are concrete ideas many people use, especially going into Lent 2026.

Food & drink

  • Sweets, desserts, chocolate.
  • Soda, energy drinks, sweetened coffee/tea; or drink only water.
  • Alcohol on weekdays or for the whole season.
  • Meat on more days than just Fridays; some go vegetarian/vegan for Lent.
  • Snacking between meals or eating out; money saved can go to charity.

Media & technology

  • Specific social media apps (TikTok, Instagram, X) or set strict time limits.
  • No screens after a certain time in the evening (e.g., after 8–9 p.m.).
  • “Doomscrolling” news or endless forum browsing; replace with reading something nourishing.
  • Video games or streaming TV on weekdays; keep Sundays lighter if your tradition allows.

Comforts & convenience

  • Long hot showers; try lukewarm instead.
  • Hitting snooze; get up on the first alarm.
  • Using the car for very short trips if you can walk, and use the walk to pray.
  • Constant online shopping; buy only genuine essentials during Lent.

Deeper Things to “Give Up” (Habits & Attitudes)

These don’t look dramatic from the outside, but they can be spiritually heavier and more transformative.

Relational & inner-life habits

  • Gossip and negative talk; decide not to speak poorly of others and instead find one good thing to say.
  • Comparison to others (online or offline); practice thanking God daily for your own life and gifts.
  • People-pleasing or needing constant approval; practice saying honest, kind “no’s” when needed.
  • Impatience; build in a tiny pause and silent prayer before responding when annoyed.

Mindset & self-talk

  • Harsh self-criticism like “I’m stupid / ugly / a failure”; replace each negative thought with a truthful, kinder statement.
  • “I’ll pray later” procrastination; commit to a small, fixed daily prayer time.
  • Only talking to God when you need something; add daily thanksgiving and simple conversation.

Digital & modern-life patterns

  • Trolling, sarcasm, or snarky comments online; aim for encouragement or silence instead.
  • Dating app swiping just for validation; limit usage and focus more on real-life presence.
  • Constantly checking your phone; try phone-free blocks each day.

Pair “Giving Up” With “Taking On”

Lent isn’t only subtraction; it’s also about addition—prayer, generosity, and service.

You might:

  • Replace 15 minutes of scrolling with 15 minutes of Scripture, spiritual reading, or journaling.
  • Text one person each day to thank or encourage them (40 days = 40 people).
  • Use money saved from coffee, snacks, or eating out to give to someone in need or a charity each week.
  • Volunteer once a week or do one intentional good deed for a stranger or neighbor.

A simple example combo:

  • Give up: sweets and post-dinner snacking.
  • Take on: a short nightly prayer and a “gratitude message” to one person per day.

Quick Idea Picker (By Personality)

If you want something simple and clear :

  • Give up: soda, dessert, or fast food.
  • Add: one short daily prayer and a small weekly donation.

If you’re online all the time :

  • Give up: one main social app or all social apps after 8 p.m., plus doomscrolling in bed.
  • Add: 10–15 minutes of reading (Bible, spiritual book, or thoughtful article) instead.

If you want a deeper interior challenge :

  • Give up: gossip, complaining, or harsh self-talk.
  • Add: daily examen (a short review of your day with God) and one concrete act of kindness.

If you like structure and variety :

  • Try a rotating fast: each week of Lent, give up something different (Week 1: soda, Week 2: social media after 8, Week 3: eating out, etc.).

One-Line TL;DR

Pick something that actually costs you, but won’t crush you; give it up for Lent, and use the space you free up for prayer, gratitude, and generosity. Pair the “no” (fasting) with a concrete “yes” (prayer and helping others) so the season really changes you.

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