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Lent is a time to fast and practice self-discipline. One way that you can do that is to quit a not-so-healthy habit for forty days. If you’re not sure what habit to give up this year, here are some ideas to inspire you:

Frivolous Spending

Have you noticed that your budget is really tight? Do you drain your checking account long before your next paycheck is due? Then maybe you should think about quitting frivolous spending for Lent. 

The best way to cut your frivolous spending is to do a no-spend challenge — this is a personal challenge where you don’t spend a thing on non-essentials. This could mean no takeout dinners, no coffee shop beverages and no impulse buys at the checkout counter until Easter passes. 

Why is this a good idea? First, taking on a no-spend challenge for Lent will help you be more mindful of your spending. Second of all, it can help you set aside savings for more important financial goals, like putting together an emergency fund. 

Right now, you might not be living with an emergency fund. If an emergency expense crops up, you might not have enough savings to pay for it. In that case, you could use a credit card to cover the expense and then pay down the balance later. Or you could apply for a cash loan online. Click here to see what the biggest benefits of quick cash loans online are. Applying for one might be a good option in an emergency.  

Alcohol

So, you missed Dry January — don’t worry, you can detox from drinking for Lent! How can you start? Start by getting rid of the alcohol in the house. You won’t be tempted to grab a drink when your supply is nowhere nearby. It will be out of sight and out of mind. 

If you’re worried that you’ll miss your favorite drinks, look up delicious mocktail recipes and other non-alcoholic alternatives that you can sip on instead. 

Why is this a good idea? There are plenty of health benefits of quitting alcohol, from getting better quality sleep to lowering your blood pressure. 

Social Media

Are you addicted to social media? If you find that you’re spending too much time glued to your phone and scrolling through your feeds, you should try to take a break. Log out of your social media accounts and delete the apps from your phone. You can also download website blockers to keep you from looking up the sites on your browser, too.

Why is this a good idea? You might find that your break from social media brings you a lot of time to do more productive, enjoyable things. 

Negative Thinking

Do you have a bad habit of seeing the negative side of everything? Then, you may want to see what it’s like to look on the bright side. 

How can you do this? These are a few things that can help you quit negative thinking:

  • Write in a gratitude journal every night.
  • Surround yourself with positive people.
  • Counter negative thoughts with compassion. For instance, after thinking “I’m so stupid” for making a small mistake at work, you can tell yourself that you’re human, which means you’re going to make mistakes. 

Why is this a good idea? Negative thinking can increase your stress levels and impair your ability to enjoy yourself. 

You might find that your life is a whole lot better after giving up these habits for Lent. You might even give them up for good.