By: Gwen Varley

The Lenten season has arrived! Unfortunately, I have found myself at a standstill. I struggled to think of what to give up. Every idea I came up with, naturally, an excuse followed. Giving up candy and sweets was always in the back of my mind, but I am just going to keep it there.

I was eager to know what others were giving up, selfishly so that maybe I could finally pick something. When considering what I could give up, I needed to do some reflection on what the Lenten season actually is and why we do it. 

It is important to know and understand why we are making these sacrifices and fasting during this time. If you are not religious, you may be asking yourself, “What even is Lent?”

Lent consists of a 40-day period of fasting, prayer, and reflection. As Christians, we choose something to sacrifice to honor how Jesus sacrificed himself for us. Giving up something you typically depend on or that is a part of your daily habits is meant to help grow us closer to God and give us a taste of sacrifice, similar to what Jesus endured. The 40-days reflect the number of days Jesus spent fasting in the wilderness. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and concludes on Holy Thursday; however, most Christians end Lent on Easter Sunday. When participating in Lent, you can not have meat on Ash Wednesdays and Fridays throughout the 40-days. 

I did a quick Google search to try to gauge what others were giving up this year. Unfortunately, I always find myself asking others about these kinds of things instead of taking the initiative myself—nonetheless, Google had an answer for me. 

Hallow, a very popular Catholic-based app and organization, split its fasting ideas into two sections. One was for kids/teens, and the other was for general sacrifices. The first one for kids was: giving up a favorite toy or game. For general ideas, the first one was: giving up coffee. 

Hallow also suggested fasting from social media for a day. Social media consumes people’s lives, and this is a great time to practice some self-control. In the past, I have given up social media, specifically a popular texting app, Snapchat, and I felt myself putting my phone down more and being in the moment. With that, it can be hard to come to terms with and navigate how these small steps in our daily routines can have such a huge impact on our mental state and overall health. Sometimes taking that step back is the only way to discover the problem. 

Emily Boyle (Special Education, 29) said she gave up energy drinks this year for Lent. She stated, “I feel like they weren’t actually helping me stay focused or making me feel more awake. I wasn’t really getting any benefit from it.” 

When something is so normal in your daily routine, it can be hard to realize if there is still a benefit.  

Something new this year that I heard is that people are also focusing on taking up good habits while simultaneously giving something up. These habits can consist of reading the bible every day, setting time aside for prayer, being kind to others, etc. 

Evidently, I have come to the conclusion that I spend too much money. As a college athlete, I am constantly going from class to practice, to lift, etc. I find myself craving fast food as it is an easy solution to my constant hunger. However, it also burns a hole in my pocket. That is why, this Lenten season, I have taken the initiative to try to cut down on my spending, and with that, eating out. Since beginning Lent not long ago, I have already found myself struggling. Ultimately, I am happy with my decision, and I hope that it will teach me to have better eating habits and to be wiser with my spending. 

This sacrifice, though small, is the type of sacrifice that can help us grow closer to our faith. Removing things from our lives that we consume or do a lot can help us realize the benefit, or the lack thereof. Though fast food fixes my hunger, it does not benefit me in any other way. Going to the grocery store and having to make my own meals at home is not only better financially but also for my body and overall health. 

I am excited for the rest of this Lenten season and to grow closer in my faith. 

Even if you are not religious, Lent can be a great time for everyone to give something up and grow a greater appreciation for the world and everyone around them. 

Happy Lent!

Gwen Varley is a sophomore student majoring in English. She is a part of the Women’s Lacrosse team and the Honors Program. She is expected to graduate in the spring of 2028.

Sources:

Pruitt, Sarah. “Lent 2026.” History, A&E Television Networks, 13 Feb. 2026, www.history.com/articles/lent-history. Accessed 19 Feb. 2026. 

“The Meaning and Significance of Lent.” Maitland-Newcastle Catholic News, 14 Feb. 2024, mnnews.today/your-diocese/2024/the-meaning-and-significance-of-lent/. Accessed 3 Mar 2026