Things you should ACTUALLY be giving up for Lent

It’s that time of year again. A time that most of us love to hate, where traditionally many of you can-collegers, who were carried to mass as children, were also forced to give up your favourite chocolate bar for forty whole days. I can still envision the days I spent ogling my Easter eggs, waiting for the dreaded period to end and for Easter Sunday to be upon us.

I respect and admire that the religious side of Lent is undoubtedly important to so many people out there, but for many of us the Lenten period isn’t rooted in religious teachings. Instead, it is a time for self-fulfilment and self-improvement, where you work hard to become the best possible version of yourself. Therefore, for those of you who have this view on Lent, this post is for you.

This self-bettering goal is generally enthusiastically attempted by engaging in a brisk walk past the goodies aisle in Tesco, or by going to the pharmacy to purchase your very first pack of NiQuitin. Let’s not forget about the people who sign up to the gym for Lent in a bid to get their bum off their couch and onto an exercise bike. My personal favourite is the Lenten challenge that sees young children inform their teachers they are giving up homework for Lent. Speaking from experience, that one generally doesn’t end well.

All of these traditional Lenten goals are viable options, and if you are taking on some of these challenges, I wish you luck with your goals! But, with that in mind, I beg you not to be disheartened by what I am about to say.....

These goals are innately unoriginal and majorly nonsensical....

If you are giving up custard creams for forty days, to just start eating them again on day 41, wasn’t the whole thing just borderline pointless? What about all the money people waste on the new trainers they get for their walking club faze which they joined for two whole weeks before dropping out due to an old ankle injury?

I’ve been brewing on this for a while, so I decided to compile a list of Lenten challenges that I think are actually worthwhile, as well as beneficial for you and your wallet. Remember, I am not an expert on this. I’m just a person with a lot of opinions. So, here are some of my top-tips!

(1) Stop buying make-up from brands that aren’t cruelty free

Do you actually want to make a change to your lifestyle this Lent? How about you try embracing your inner beauty (because you slay) and enhance it with cruelty free products that little baby rabbits didn’t suffer because of. There are so many amazing and affordable brands that support the prevention of animal cruelty, and with the world wide web now at our literal fingertips, they shouldn’t be too difficult for you to find!

(2) Spend more time snuggling with your pet

If you want to make a conscious effort to reduce your stress levels this Lent, schedule some time to stroke your cat or play some ‘fetch’ with your dog. One thing about pets is that they think you are the best thing since sliced bread no matter what you look like, and they can radiate some positive energy into your bloodstream for those stressy days in college.

(3) Donate your unused items to a charity shop#

We all have that beloved jumper that was our favourite item of clothing until you hit a growth spurt. In fact, its probably buried at the back of your closet as we speak, feeling really terrible about itself. Why not donate these pre-loved clothes to a charity shop and give them the new lease of life you know they deserve? Bonus: It will help others, while also making you feel pretty fantastic.

(4) Eat some carrot sticks

As I said, I find the whole idea of giving up chocolate for Lent quite dull, so why not take up an extra snack instead? They are crunchy and sweet, and can really fill a gap if needed. That being said, don’t eat them in the library though… the crunching might make some people want to fling an encyclopaedia at you. Including me.

(5) Spend some time calming the f*ck down

College will be okay. You will get your assignments done. It will all work out in the end. Try and remember that you are the most important part of your life, and that self-nourishment will trump any essay any day.

I hope these enlightening tips make this the best Lent you have ever seen! And if you don’t believe in any Lenten challenges…. congratulations on reaching the end of my post! You have completely wasted your time!

But if you are taking part in Lent in any regard, good luck with it. Remember, you are amazing and you got this.

Much love

-V

PHOTO COURTESY OF MARCO VERCH