If you grew up Catholic like me, you know that Lent is the time of the year when you give up something for 40 days. Whether that be a certain food, drinking soda, or swearing, it gets harder to think of something to give up as you get older, especially if you're in college.
Let’s be honest, the dining hall has limited food options as it is, so giving up one of the three things you actually can eat from there can be more harmful to your diet than beneficial. As a college student, you’re already living pretty minimally when it comes to buying food.
Deciding on things to give up is harder than it sounds, but here’s a list of some practical things you can give up for Lent while in college:
1. Fast food
Who doesn’t love the midnight drives to McDonald's or Taco Bell every once in awhile? Or more often? Even so, this would be a great option to cut down on this Lenten season! Spring break is just around the corner, so cutting the extra calories for 40 days might be totally worth it!
2. Procrastination
It's almost the middle of the semester, and this is when the initial motivation starts to die down and college students get the laziest. Don’t give in! Stay on top of school work and get up and go to class. During this Lenten season, instead of skipping class, make it a point to go to all of them physically AND mentally.
3. Gossip
College students find it easy to fall into the dark, dark pit of gossip. This season, fight the temptation of talking poorly about your roommate or the kid who took your seat in class for the last three times in a row. If you feel tempted to shit talk, change your thought to say something nice about someone else. This could become an awesome habit if you stick with it.
4. Not getting enough sleep
As college students, we barely get enough sleep. Make it your goal these next 40 days to get at least seven hours. Your grades will probably improve, your attention in class will last longer, and you’ll be an overall happier person. It’s science, people!
5. The elevator
I know it can be a pain to walk up to your class on the third floor or your dorm room on the fifth, but make it a point over the next 40 days to take the stairs. Start small, and take the stairs at least twice a day. As Lent goes on, instead of taking the elevator every time, lessen the amount by a few elevator rides each day. You will get in more steps and burn more calories, so it's basically a win/win situation.
Good luck for the next 40 days, and happy Lenten season!
