TODAY I’d like to talk about Lent and how it could actually benefit our mental health.
Lent is the period- just over six weeks- leading up to Easter, a Christian holiday.

It began this past Wednesday, called Ash Wednesday, where ashes are taken on the forehead to mark the beginning of Lent. Lent is about sacrifice, about confessing any failings, seeking and receiving forgiveness and making a decision to live healthier.

Traditionally, this was about fasting without food or water to mark the days between Jesus’s death and the moment they discovered an empty tomb. Just shy of one thousand years later, an international agreement of the season came to be – 40 days (plus Sunday’s, although some exclude Sunday’s) – the length of time Jesus was believed to be wandering the desert. However, it has evolved to simply giving up something that you would deem a sacrifice.

Tradition required that all one’s favourite foods be eaten on Tuesday in preparation for fasting. This has evolved to Pancake Tuesday. I should mention that it’s called Lent based on its old English meaning which is to “lengthen”. It signifies the time of the year (after winter) when the days begin to get longer.

I’ve decided this year that I will give up alcohol, something that will actually be quite difficult for me. Not that I have an issue with alcohol or over drinking but I’m the kind of person to unwind with a glass of wine after a stressful day. I’m the kind that feels more at ease in crowds with some alcohol in me. So to me, this is a sacrifice and I’m excited about the countless benefits that will come along with it.

Lent is a period of reflection and self- discipline and that alone has numerous mental health benefits. The whole point is to rid self- denial and acknowledge any shortcomings that may not be beneficial to you – physically or mentally. Whether you are religious or not, Lent is the perfect time to take a look at our lives and make some adjustments.

Many of us try this at New Years, thinking we have been lucky enough to see a new year and therefore, it can be considered a clean slate. However, I am going to guess that many of you have already disregarded at least one of your New Year’s Resolution. It’s not that you’re weak, many people don’t continue resolutions and here’s why.

New Year’s Resolutions are typically common and too vague such as saving money or losing weight. Also, there is not often a specific time frame to work with or to stick to. However, lent is about choosing something specific with a realistic time frame to work with. It’s not so long of a time that it leaves us overwhelmed but it’s long enough to ensure serious behaviour changes and create new habits.

If you have decided to try but not yet sure what to give up, it’s not too late and I can give some recommendations based on what can help both your physical and mental health.
Fast food or soft drinks – this one is easy to see why, as they both reduce energy and positive mood while increasing weight and therefore the possibility of physical health issues such as cardiovascular issues.

Alcohol – the health benefits range from physical such as improve liver function to mental including lowering the risk of depression and other illnesses. This will also improve your general way of life – such as your relationships, self-view and levels of productivity and efficiency.

Cigarettes- we all know the physical health benefits that come with this but did you know that those who smoke are less likely to exercise, sleep well and focus for long periods of time- all things that affect mental health.

Social Media- I would say this is one of the hardest and the one with the biggest effect on our mental health. Social media almost promotes and encourages low self-esteem, self- hatred, loss of productivity and so much more.

Procrastination – believe it or not, this is something that you can actually give up. Benjamin Franklin said ‘Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.’ He was on to something because procrastination brings about or increase already existing stress and anxiety.

If you are worried about staying strong during Lent, I would advise that you use the wise principle of Alcoholics Anonymous – one day at a time; focusing on all 40 days at once will be overwhelming. When you have cravings, stop what you’re doing and acknowledge them. Remind yourself of its normality and experience the average 20 minutes that they last for. Humans are now spoilt by instant gratification but it doesn’t mean we have to give in to the urges.

I want you all to understand that craving is simply your mind and body encouraging you to repeat an activity that once brought them ‘feel good’ chemicals and the more you give them, the more they will crave it. However, if and when you stop, you can train the brain to crave other, healthier things.

Good luck everyone – sacrifice brings strength and resilience

Thanking you for reading. Please keep sending any topics you’d like to talk about to caitlinvieira@gmail.com Or come in to see me at:
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Say Yes to Life and No to Drugs! Always!