10 things to give up for Lent

Millions of Christians around the world will mark the beginning of the important season of Lent. This year, Lent runs from Wednesday 18 February to Thursday 2 April. If you’re looking for ideas on what you can give up for Lent, we’ve put together ten meaningful suggestions.

Lent is a reflective period leading up to Easter. During the final week of Lent, known as Holy Week, Christians take opportunity to focus on Jesus and the events that led to his death on Good Friday and ultimate resurrection on Easter Saturday.

It is often associated with giving something up as a way to reset unhelpful habits, to grow in compassion and to reflect on things that matter to us, such as our understanding of God. Some people choose to give up chocolate, sweets, coffee or social media. Others prefer to take up a positive practice that will benefit their lives and the lives around them.

Ten things that can be given up for Lent

1. Chocolate

Setting aside chocolate for a few weeks may seem small, but it’s surprising how often we reach for it for comfort, reward or distraction. Giving it up can become a daily reminder to pause for a moment of gratitude or prayer. As a bonus, it only increases the joy of Easter chocolate!

2. Caffeine

For some, letting go of a daily coffee or energy drink is a bold move, but it can help us reconnect with a slower pace of life. As mornings slow down, we can use those first quiet minutes to pray, breathe deep or recognise God’s presence beneath the buzz of everyday life.

3. Social media

Stepping away from scrolling can be freeing. Lent offers an invitation to silence the noise, comparison and hurriedness that can come with online life. Or, instead of avoiding social media, we could choose to post something positive for each day of Lent – filling our friends’ feeds with messages of light, hope and life. Follow Salvationist on Facebook for inspiration.

4. Meat

Throughout history, many Christians have chosen to fast from meat as a way of living and eating simply. Today, choosing to eat plant‑based meals can not only help our bodies feel lighter, but also help us reflect on mindful stewardship of the earth and compassionate living.

5. Sugar

Sugar is central to so many celebrations, like birthdays and parties, so giving it up challenges us to rethink how we enjoy the everyday. As we look out for daily joys apart from sugar, we might find that we are drawn to noticing other blessings of sweetness and goodness.

6. Gossip

Letting go of gossip goes deeper than giving up a food. This Lent, choose to speak only words that build up, spread kindness and bring peace. It’s a powerful way to love others in ordinary conversations and to see others the way God sees them.

7. Online shopping

Turning away from impulse purchases can be a meaningful exercise in contentment. By giving up online shopping, we might learn to pause before buying, to ask what we truly need and to recognise how often we try to fill emotional gaps with material things.

8. Escalators and lifts

It might sound unconventional, but choosing the stairs over the escalator or the lift is a great way to seek a slower pace this Lent. Every step becomes a moment to remember our body as a gift and to practise patience and presence.

9. Complaining

Instead of dwelling on frustrations, cultivate a posture of hopefulness and trust this Lent. When irritation rises, we can try to shift our attention to something good, however small. Over time, we may find gratitude naturally growing where our default used to be grumbling.

10. Nothing: Do something instead!

We may decide that, instead of giving something up, we want to live differently this Lent. This could be sharing intentional words of encouragement with a different person each day, helping with someone else’s chores, volunteering locally or taking five minutes each morning to journal.

Whatever we choose to do or not to do, remember that Lent isn’t about pressure. It’s about creating space for renewal and spiritual awakening.