Each year, as Lent approaches, millions of Catholics prepare for 40 days of fasting, reflection and self-discipline. Days or even months before, Catholics reflect on what food or material items plague their everyday lives so they can decide what to give up. Then they reflect on how they can better others, deciding what almsgiving they will practice. But what if you don’t consider yourself Catholic or even religious? Could Lent still offer something meaningful? In a world obsessed with self-improvement, with trends like “Dry January” and intermittent fasting, Lenten practices can suddenly seem less like an outdated religious tradition and more like a structured path to personal growth.
Lenten practices can benefit anyone because they encourage self-discipline, mindfulness and intentional reflection. Taking time to evaluate our habits, set goals and challenge ourselves can lead to personal growth in ways we might not expect. Some students already embrace Lenten-inspired habits without the religious framework, using this time as a personal challenge to reset and reflect. Could Lent be the next big secular self-improvement trend? Or does removing it from its religious roots strip it of its deeper purpose?
While anyone can adopt Lenten practices, it is essential to remember that at its core, Lent is not just a self-improvement challenge – it is a profoundly spiritual season of preparation for Easter, rooted in repentance, sacrifice and a closer relationship with God. For many religious observers, reducing Lent to simply “giving something up” for personal betterment overlooks its purpose and long-time standing. It is essential to recognize that Lent is a time of reflection on Christ’s sacrifice, not just a structured period of self-discipline for Catholics and many Christians.
However, for nonreligious people, Lent can be about self-discipline, reflection and growth – which all attract people outside of formal religion. Many nonreligious individuals are drawn to structured challenges that encourage mindfulness and self-improvement, making Lenten practices surprisingly relevant today.
Consider “Dry January,” a month-long commitment to abstaining from alcohol. While not structured in religious tradition, this challenge helps individuals reset their habits in the new year, improve their health and increase awareness of their relationship with drinking. Similarly, intermittent fasting, which has become a mainstream wellness trend, promotes self-control, healthier eating habits and even mental clarity. These practices share common ground with Lent, where fasting is used for discipline and reflection.
Whether religious or secular, fasting has been linked to numerous psychological benefits. Studies suggest that delayed gratification strengthens self-control, helping individuals make better long-term decisions. Beyond the physical benefits of fasting, such as improved metabolism and increased energy levels, fasting encourages mindfulness, forcing individuals to be more intentional about their choices.
These structured challenges offer a sense of purpose, proving that intentional self-denial can lead to growth rather than deprivation. Whether someone participates in Lent for faith-based reasons or as a personal experiment in self-improvement, the underlying message is the same: stepping back from indulgences and giving alms to others allows for greater clarity, control and a renewed sense of self and purpose.
I interviewed some Fordham students to see what nonreligious and religious people think about adopting Lenten practices. Lizzy Hageman FCRH ’28 didn’t seriously commit to Lent, saying, “I kind of joked about eating less sugar and not watching as many YouTube Shorts, but neither of those goals were met.” However, she mentioned how she appreciates the concept, comparing it to New Year’s resolutions with a deeper meaning. She believes a Lent-like practice could benefit everyone and said, “It’s a good exercise in willpower, and it probably would make you feel really accomplished once it’s over.” She also notes that giving something up can increase appreciation for it: “By stopping yourself from having something all the time, it makes it more meaningful the rare times you do get it.”
Peninah Rosenthal FCRH ’28 observes Lent and has given up scrolling on Instagram and ice cream. She sees Lent as a personal journey, saying, “I think you should do what works for you.” To her, Lent is about self-improvement, helping both spiritual and mental well-being: “For me, it’s definitely religious, but I think anyone can benefit from it.” Emily Sauget FCRH ’28, a recent convert to Catholicism partaking in her first Lent, is trying to give up snacking and cursing but admits it’s difficult. She initially saw fasting as just a tradition, but now understands its significance. She believes that “Lent can be impactful for anyone … to focus on a higher good.”
These perspectives highlight Lent as a period of self-discipline and reflection. The nonreligious side values its ability to build willpower and appreciation, even outside religion. The Catholic perspective sees it as a personal and spiritual commitment, emphasizing its role in self-improvement. Ultimately, the perspectives show that Lent, whether practiced for faith or personal growth, offers a valuable opportunity for discipline, mindfulness and appreciation.
Rather than being exclusively religious or purely self-improvement-focused, Lent can be both. Whether someone participates in Lent for faith-based reasons or as a secular challenge, the essence remains: a period of reflection, sacrifice and renewal. In this way, Lent can offer something valuable to anyone, regardless of belief.
Lent may be rooted in religious tradition, but its core values are universal. Whether through giving something up or practicing mindfulness, the challenge of intentional sacrifice can foster personal growth in unexpected ways. Thus, the true appeal of Lent lies not in its religious significance alone but in its ability to inspire change in anyone willing to take on the 40-day challenge.
Gianna Tetro, FCRH ’28, is a psychology major from Houston, Texas.
