Lent begins on Ash Wednesday and lasts 40 days leading up to Easter.
Well, technically it’s 46 days. Sundays don’t count because they’re considered mini celebrations. But most people just say 40 days because that’s the number that matters.
Either way, it’s about six weeks.
The number 40 shows up a lot in the Bible. Moses spent 40 days on a mountain. The Israelites wandered for 40 years. Jesus spent 40 days in the wilderness before starting his work.
It’s a number that represents preparation and transformation.
What’s the ash on people’s foreheads? On Ash Wednesday, many Christians go to church and get ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. It’s a reminder that we’re dust and to dust we’ll return. It sounds heavy, but it’s actually grounding. A reminder to live with purpose.
Do you fast on Sundays during Lent? No. Sundays are considered celebrations, even during Lent. So if you give something up, you can have it on Sundays. Some people do, some don’t. It’s a personal choice.
Why do people eat fish on Fridays? Traditionally, Catholics don’t eat meat on Fridays during Lent as a way to give something up. Fish doesn’t count as meat in this tradition. That’s where fish fries started: communities gathering for a simple meal. And honestly? Fish fries are still a thing. If you’ve ever been to one at your local VFW or American Legion, you know. They’re good.
Do I have to be religious to observe Lent? No. Lots of people use this season as a reset. A chance to slow down, reflect, and make changes they’ve been meaning to make.
When does Lent end? Lent ends the day before Easter Sunday. That’s when the fasting period is over and the celebration begins.
Do I have to give something up? Can I just add something? You can do either or both. Some people find adding a good habit more meaningful than taking something away. Do what works for you.
What if I mess up? You just keep going. If you forget on day 10, you don’t restart. You pick back up on day 11.
At its heart, Lent is about paying attention. Clearing space. Returning to what matters.
For centuries, Christians have used this season to slow down and refocus. Some people fast from food. Some step away from social media. Some add prayer or quiet time.
But if you’re already stretched thin, the idea of adding one more thing can feel impossible.
So here’s a simple approach.
Here’s the thing about fasting: you’re not choosing something to harm yourself. You’re choosing something that will help you.
Fasting is about making space for God. When you remove something, you create room for something better.
So you’re not looking for the hardest thing or the thing that will make you miserable. You’re looking for what’s taking up space that God could fill instead.
Ask yourself:
That’s usually your answer.
It could be sugar. It could be scrolling. It could be saying yes to everything. It could be complaining.
The point is to remove something so you can add something better: more peace, more prayer, more space to hear God.
Give up sugar or processed foods. Not as punishment, but as a way to care for your body. You might feel clearer, lighter, more intentional. When you want sugar, pause and pray instead.
Give up complaining. This one is hard. But every time you catch yourself, pause and choose gratitude instead. It changes how you see your day and what you thank God for.
Give up answering immediately. Create space between request and response. Use that pause to breathe and pray before you reply.
Give up over explaining. Clear, kind answers are enough. Trust that you don’t have to justify everything.
Give up carrying conversations in your head. If it’s not happening right now, let it rest. Give it to God instead of replaying it.
Give up fixing moods that aren’t yours. Compassion doesn’t require control. You can care without carrying.
Give up saying “it’s fine” when it isn’t. Honesty is a form of kindness. And it honors both you and the other person.
Give up alcohol. Even if it’s casual or regular thing, stepping away for 40 days can feel great. There are so many great N/A drinks on the market now. It’s pretty cool.
Give up scrolling before bed. Your mind needs rest. Use those minutes for something calming instead.
Add five quiet minutes before the day begins. No phone. Just stillness. Maybe prayer. Maybe just sitting with God.
Add one honest sentence each day. What do I actually need right now? Tell God.
Add a slower reply time. Quick responses are not required. Respond when you’re ready.
Add one small act of kindness toward yourself. Rest. A walk. A closed door. God cares about your well being.
Add margin where you can. Kindness grows best where there is space.
Add Scripture, or prayer. Even one verse. These are powerful habits that can truly help.
Add gratitude. What went well today? What are you grateful for? Write it down.
Lent isn’t about taking things away just to prove you can.
It’s about making space for God. For peace. For what actually matters.
When you remove something, you’re not left with nothing. You’re left with room for something better.
That’s the whole point.
This season, what if you focused less on what you’re giving up and more on what you’re making room for?
If you need more tools for managing stress and creating margin in your life, my Calm at Work Toolkit has practical strategies you can use right away.
