Lent is a yearly walk with Christ through the desert for 40 days. Traditionally, Christians choose something (or multiple things) to give up for the 40 days of Lent, remembering Jesus’s stay in the desert for 40 days without food or water.
We Christians know that choosing what to give up should not only challenge us to become better, but ultimately bring us closer to Christ.
We can tend to get in the habit of giving up the same few things for Lent – sugar, TV, etc. So in the spirit of creativity AND growth, here are 20 ideas for unique things to give up for Lent. We even categorized these with suggestions on who they are best for, the spiritual benefits, and threw in a handy difficulty scale (1 being easy, 5 being very challenging).
1. Complaining
- Best for: Those who struggle to see the good in situations or people.
- Spiritual benefits: Cultivates gratitude and a positive outlook, helping you focus on God’s blessings.
- Difficulty: 4
Complaining is often a subconscious habit, so it requires vigilance and prayerful awareness.
“Do everything without complaining and arguing.” Philippians 2:14
2. Doom Scrolling
- Best for: Those who spend a little too much time on social media.
- Spiritual benefits: Frees up time for prayer, Scripture reading, and meaningful connections.
- Difficulty: 3
The constant habit of checking your phone can make this surprisingly tough.
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Proverbs 25:28
3. Snacking Between Meals
- Best for: Those who love a good mid-meal treat.
- Spiritual benefits: Builds temperance and reminds you to rely on God for strength.
- Difficulty: 3
Especially challenging if you snack out of boredom or habit.
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
4. Overthinking
- Best for: Perfectionists or chronic worriers.
- Spiritual benefits: Develops trust in God’s providence and promotes peace of mind.
- Difficulty: 5
Changing your thought patterns requires deep spiritual effort and surrender.
“Overthinking will kill your peace. Pray and leave it to God” 1 Peter 5:7
5. Procrastination
- Best for: Students, workers, or anyone prone to putting things off.
- Spiritual benefits: Encourages diligence and reminds you to use your time wisely as a gift from God.
- Difficulty: 4
Breaking the cycle of procrastination can be uncomfortable but liberating.
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” Colossians 3:23
6. Using Negative Words About Yourself
- Best for: Those with critical tendencies.
- Spiritual benefits: Builds self-love rooted in God’s love and affirms your dignity as His creation.
- Difficulty: 3
It takes effort to catch and reframe self-critical thoughts.
“So God created mankind in his own image.” Genesis 1:27
7. Driving Impatiently
- Best for: Daily commuters or who get a liiiittle frustrated in traffic.
- Spiritual benefits: Develops patience and self-control.
- Difficulty: 2
A practical and tangible way to grow in virtue.
“Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city.” Proverbs 16:32
8. Buying Non-Essential Items
- Best for: Impulse and online shoppers.
- Spiritual benefits: Promotes detachment from material goods and a simpler lifestyle.
- Difficulty: 3
Saying no to small, tempting purchases requires discipline.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth…but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Matthew 6:19-21
This Lent, join the FOCUS community around the world and try out this Lenten Bible Study!
9. Saying “Yes” to Everything
- Best for: People pleasers who overcommit.
- Spiritual benefits: Encourages you to avoid overextending yourself for the sake of appearances.
- Difficulty: 4
Learning to say no can feel uncomfortable but can open you up to focus on yourself, your time with God, your family, your responsibilities, etc.
“Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.” Ephesians 6:6
10. Listening to Secular Music
- Best for: Music lovers who want to purify their playlists.
- Spiritual benefits: Allows you to focus on worship music and songs that glorify God.
- Difficulty: 2
A straightforward yet meaningful way to center your heart on Christ.
“Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.” Philippians 4:8
12. Skipping Exercise
- Best for: Those who often neglect physical health.
- Spiritual benefits: Honors your body as a temple of the Holy Spirit.
- Difficulty: 3
Committing to consistent exercise requires effort but is rewarding.
“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.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20
13. Food Delivery or Eating Out
- Best for: Busy individuals or foodies.
- Spiritual benefits: Encourages simplicity and gratitude for home-cooked meals.
- Difficulty: 4
Requires planning and effort to cook consistently.
“So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31
Start preparing for Lent now, and avoid the post-lent guilt. Check out the resources at the bottom of this post!
14. Talking About Yourself Excessively
- Best for: Those who can tend to accidentally dominate conversations.
- Spiritual benefits: Encourages humility and a greater interest in others.
- Difficulty: 3
Developing self-awareness in conversations can be surprisingly tough.
“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” Philippians 2:3-4
15. Rushing Through Life
- Best for: Busy individuals who often feel overwhelmed.
- Spiritual benefits: Teaches mindfulness, helps you live in the present, and draws you closer to God’s pace.
- Difficulty: 4
Slowing down requires intentionality and effort to say no to unnecessary busyness.
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
16. FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)
- Best for: Those who feel pressured to say yes to every social event.
- Spiritual benefits: Builds trust in God’s plan and fosters contentment.
- Difficulty: 4
Letting go of the need to always participate can be challenging.
“And with all his abundant wealth through Christ Jesus, my God will supply all your needs.” Philippians 4:19
17. Overindulging in Comfort Activities (e.g., baths, naps, etc.)
- Best for: People who really take the “treat yo-self” motto to heart.
- Spiritual benefits: Encourages self-denial and reminds you of Christ’s sacrifices.
- Difficulty: 3
Moderating these comforts is a gentle but meaningful way to practice sacrifice.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13
18. Perfecting Your Appearance
- Best for: Those who spend significant time on grooming or fashion.
- Spiritual benefits: Encourages detachment from vanity and fosters inner beauty.
- Difficulty: 3
Letting go of beauty routines can feel humbling but liberating.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
19. Spending Time Alone When You Could Be With Others
- Best for: Introverts or people who isolate themselves.
- Spiritual benefits: Encourages community and deeper relationships, reflecting Christ’s love for others.
- Difficulty: 3
Requires stepping out of your comfort zone to engage with people more.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!” Ecclesiastes 4:9-12
20. Skipping Sunday Rest
- Best for: Workaholics (or procrastinators).
- Spiritual benefits: Honors the Sabbath as God intended, creating space for worship and reflection.
- Difficulty: 3
Letting go of work for a full day requires trust in God’s providence.
“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” Exodus 20:8-11
Whatever unique thing(s) you choose to give up this Lent, remember that the goal is not based in just self-improvement, but in growing closer to Christ.
Don’t forget to pray this Lent! Pray for the grace to persevere, and trust that every small sacrifice made in love will bear fruit in your spiritual journey.
Additional Resources
This Lent, remember to use FOCUS resources to aid in your Lenten journey – from confession guides to our Crux Lenten Bible Study, we’ve got everything you need.
Check out our prayer guides to aid you this Lent: The Divine Mercy, The Rosary, Lectio Divina, Consecration to St. Joseph, and intercessory prayer.
Get prepared for Lent by watching this video:
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