What Is Lent? When Is It? And What Should I Give Up?

It's that time again!

Lent begins on March 5 (Ash Wednesday). It's an approximately six-week period in which Christians give up something, usually rich food, to show penitence for the death of Jesus and to emulate his example. Some non-Christians take part just to see how long they can go without their favourite things.

Here are a few luxuries that you can probably go without until April 17 (Holy Thursday), though keep in mind, Lent also extends to April 20 (Easter Sunday) in some denominations.

Smoking

It's a bad habit and a tough one to break. What better time than now?

Deep Fried Food

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It's delicious and tempting and oh-so-bad for you. By the way, these are deep fried butter balls.

Swearing

What's the cure for a salty tongue? Abstinence.

TV Binge-Watching

You should have finished season two of "House of Cards" by now. Surely you can wait to catch up on "Game of Thrones"?

Meat

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Learn what it's like to be a vegetarian!

Coffee

Start your morning on pure energy and see how long you can last.

Video Games

Chances are, you sit at work all day, then go home and park yourself for a game of "Titanfall." Break the habit and get active!

Carbon

You read correctly. Park your car, take transit and avoid the stress of the morning rush. Anglican bishops actually urged people to take on a carbon fast back in 2010.

Devices

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We're not saying you should give up your digital devices altogether, but maybe try to modify how much you use them. Put your phone or your tablet to bed when you get home and don't turn it on again until you're back at work the next day. Conveniently, the National Day of Unplugging falls on March 7-8, right after Lent begins.