Lent is a Catholic or Christian observance that is a time to celebrate the sacrament of penance and prepare/strengthen one's faith before His coming on Easter. Its a period of 40 days in which we prepare, fast, and acknowledge our sins. We also participate in the act of ‘almsgiving’ which is ultimately giving up something that gives you small pleasure.

I struggle each year with choosing what to give up. As a kid, it was always chocolate, soda pop, or something that I liked, but didn’t have on a day-to-day basis. As I became older and more mature, I began to realize the real meaning of Lent.

The Lord gave up his life for me, and I wasn’t eating a Kit-Kat for 40 days? I needed to make a change. For this past couple of years, I have not only given up a materialistic guilty pleasure like sweets or soda pop but also something that will truly bring me closer to Him in the end. If you’re struggling to find something to give up or a goal to achieve in these 40 days, here are some options:

1. Junk Food/Sweets

This is a very common thing to give up in the Lenten season. This is great if you’re looking for that "spring break body" and will motivate you to eat healthily and stay fit. At the same time, it is also important to give up something that you enjoy or gives you pleasure in order to follow the meaning of Lent.

2. Give up a bad habit

40 days without biting your nails? Not only will your nails go back to normal, you will also be following your Lenten promise!

3. Give Up or Less time on Social Media

Social media is addicting for everyone; you’re reading this article, aren’t you? This can be a huge challenge for some but at the same time such a great way to step back from the crazy internet we consume ourselves in every day. Post your last Instagram, send out your last tweet, sit back and relax!

4. Give Up TV

As well as social media, television/Netflix can be very time-consuming. Press pause on that Greys Anatomy episode and use the time you would usually be watching TV towards God.

5. Spend Time Reading Scripture

This has always been something I have struggled to do. It has always just been hearing the readings every Sunday and that was my daily dose of scripture. This Lenten season, my goal is at least a chapter a day if not more. This is a great way to strengthen and learn more and more about your faith. Take some time out of your busy schedule, reserve at least 15-20 minutes for this simple action that could impact your day so much.

6. Give Time for Prayer

Similar to reading scripture, prayer is one of the best ways to strengthen your relationship with The Lord. This can include doing the Rosary for a set amount of time or even just spending time talking one on one with Him.

7. Complete A Certain Amount of Kind Acts Each Day

Set a goal to do a certain amount of kind acts or give a certain amount of sincere compliments to those around you.

These are only a few ideas of what people give up for Lent. I'm sure there are others out there but these are definitely the most common among college students.