Giving up something for Lent works best when it’s both a real sacrifice and something that opens space for prayer, generosity, or growth. Think less “random challenge,” more “What is quietly running my life that I’d like God to reshape?”

Mini-Guide: How to Choose

Before the lists, a quick way to decide:

  1. Ask three questions:
    • What comfort do I run to first when I’m stressed?
    • What habit is quietly unhealthy (physically, spiritually, or emotionally)?
    • What could I give up that would free time or money for others?
  2. Connect it to the classic Lent trio:
    • Fasting (from something good but not essential).
    • Prayer (use the “gap” time for God).
    • Almsgiving (share the money, energy, or attention you free up).

Everyday Comforts to Give Up

These are traditional and very doable; they hit where we feel it, but they’re not extreme.

  • Sweets, desserts, or chocolate (either completely, or only on certain days).
  • Sugary drinks, soda, or flavored coffees (drink water instead).
  • Alcohol or vaping/smoking (also a good “kickstart” to quitting for good).
  • Fast food, takeout, or eating out; cook simple meals at home.
  • Meat on more days than just Fridays, or going vegetarian/vegan for Lent.
  • Snacking between meals; keep to set mealtimes and offer the hunger as prayer.

Example: If you give up daily coffee-shop runs, you could put that money in a jar and give it to charity at Easter.

Digital & Entertainment Fasts

Modern Lent ideas often focus on screens and noise, because they drain our attention without us noticing.

  • Social media (one platform, all platforms, or only at certain times of day).
  • Video streaming (Netflix, YouTube, TikTok, etc.) except for truly needed uses.
  • Gaming on your phone or console during the week.
  • Screens after a certain hour at night (e.g., no screens after 8–9 p.m.).
  • Checking your phone first thing in the morning; pray or read instead.
  • Endless browsing news, gossip, or rumor sites.

A simple “rule” might be: “No phone in bed; last 30 minutes before sleep are for prayer or reading something uplifting.”

Attitudes & Habits to Sacrifice

Some of the most powerful Lenten sacrifices are “invisible” because they’re about your inner life.

  • Complaining or constant negativity; consciously practice gratitude instead.
  • Gossiping or listening to gossip; speak encouragement when you’re tempted to criticize.
  • Swearing and harsh language; aim for respectful, clean speech.
  • Comparison and envy (especially fueled by social media); thank God for your own path.
  • Procrastination; do tasks promptly as an act of discipline.
  • Arguing for the sake of “winning”; choose peace and listening.
  • Overworking or perfectionism; keep the Sabbath and set healthy limits.

These can be surprisingly hard, but they tend to transform relationships more than giving up chocolate ever will.

Time & Comfort Sacrifices That Add Prayer

Many modern lists also stress “give up convenience so you can add prayer or service.”

  • Hitting the snooze button: get up at the first alarm and use those minutes for quiet prayer.
  • Ultra-hot showers; turn the temp down a bit and pray for those without basic comforts.
  • Always choosing the comfiest chair, best parking spot, or first place in line; let others go first.
  • Driving everywhere; sometimes walk and use the time to pray a short psalm or the rosary.
  • Saying “no” to small daily laziness (like leaving chores until later); offer the extra effort for someone in need.

Example: Park farther away at work or the store, and pray for someone specific each time you walk in.

Things to “Take Up” Instead of Just Giving Up

Many Christian writers emphasize that Lent isn’t only about subtraction; it’s also about addition.

You can “pair” what you give up with something you take on:

  • Extra prayer: daily Scripture reading, a short morning and evening prayer, a weekly holy hour, or going to church more often.
  • Acts of charity:
    • Begin or increase tithing.
    • Use money saved from food or shopping to support a charity or parish.
    • Make sandwiches or bags for the homeless, volunteer at a local shelter or ministry.
  • Simpler living:
    • Declutter one item or one drawer a day and donate what you can.
* Choose “no unnecessary shopping” for Lent and focus on what you already have.

A helpful rule of thumb: “Fast from something that dulls me; feast on something that brings me closer to God and others.”

Matching Ideas to Different Goals

Here’s a quick way to align your choice with what you’re hoping for this Lent.

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Goal Good things to give up What to add
Grow in self‑control Sweets, snacks, alcohol, snooze button, impulse shopping.Set prayer times, simple fitness or walks, daily examen.
Detox from tech Social media, streaming, gaming, phone in bed.Reading Scripture, journaling, in‑person conversations.
Improve relationships Gossip, complaining, swearing, constant criticism.Daily gratitude list, intentional compliments, family prayer.
Serve the poor more Eating out, luxury treats, non‑essential shopping.Regular giving, volunteering, making care packs.
Deepen spiritual life Noise, constant busyness, skipping worship.Mass or services more often, confession, spiritual reading.

Quick Lent Decision Checklist (TL;DR)

  • Pick something you will honestly feel but can realistically keep.
  • Let it touch either your appetites (food, drink, comfort), your attention (screens, noise), or your attitudes (complaining, gossip, comparison).
  • Pair your sacrifice with more prayer and at least one concrete act of generosity.
  • If you “fail” one day, don’t quit Lent; treat it as a reminder of your need for grace and start again.

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