With Lent beginning, I find it healthy to take a step back and reflect on what these 40 days are about and what they mean to me. Lent is a time of reflection, fasting, and prayer. Personally, Lent seems to always fall at a time when my schedule and commitments are crazier than ever. However, it is a great reminder to myself to not get too overwhelmed by the busyness and to take the time to make improvements in my life whether they be emotionally, physically, socially, or spiritually.

Here are a few tips and self reminders to start off this Lenten season:

1. Download a prayer or daily devotional app.

I use the app called "Word Alert." Each morning I wake up to a notification with a Bible verse to start my day on the right foot.

2. Set aside time to reflect.

Take just five minutes out of the day to reflect on the day's events or to just sit without distractions and pray.

3. Along with giving something up, find something you would like to do better at in your life.

Though it is most common to give something up for these 40 days, challenge yourself to improve certain aspects of your life as well. For example, make it a goal to get enough sleep each night or to just have a healthier lifestyle.

4. Be honest with yourself.

Are you being truthful with yourself? Are you happy with where you are in life right now? Confront those thoughts and see what you can do to improve them.

5. Be giving.

Whether it be money, food, or a helping hand, be of service and faith to those around you.

6. Fast.

Respect the days of fasting. It not only is about self control, but it is an aid to prayer and almsgiving.

7. Set realistic goals.

Don't feel pressured to become a completely changed person during this time. Set goals that are reachable and healthy for yourself.

8. Don’t stop once Lent is over.

Just because the 40 days will come to end does not mean the self improvements and prayer you have put in have to end too. Continue to grow spiritually and set goals to become a better you outside of the Lenten season.