Why Lent is a LITERAL Hack to Mental Well Being

Lent starts tomorrow and I cant wait! Why? Because there’s something about the spiritual and mental recalibration it provides me, especially when doing it with millions of other Christians, all over the world.

Unpopular Opinion, But Your Anxiety Might Be a Spiritual Problem

For many Christian professionals, stress and anxiety have become constant companions. Deadlines pile up, family responsibilities demand attention, and the pressure to succeed never seems to let up. You pray, you read Scripture, you do all the right things—so why does peace feel so elusive?

Here’s the truth no one talks about: Your anxiety might not just be a mental health issue. It could be a spiritual issue. And that’s exactly why Lent is one of the most powerful tools you have to fight it.

The Science of Fasting, Prayer, and Almsgiving

Lent is often reduced to giving up chocolate or social media, but its purpose is far deeper. It’s a season of spiritual recalibration—a time to strip away distractions and reconnect with God. Modern psychology backs this up:

• Fasting reduces anxiety. Studies show that intermittent fasting helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone, leading to increased emotional resilience. (Harvard Medical School, 2020)

• Prayer rewires the brain. Neuroscientific research confirms that consistent prayer strengthens the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain responsible for emotional regulation and decision-making. (Dr. Andrew Newberg, "How God Changes Your Brain")

• Almsgiving increases happiness. Giving to others releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which counteracts stress and creates a sense of well-being. (University of Zurich, 2017)

Lent isn’t just an ancient tradition—it’s a built-in system for reducing stress and anxiety while drawing closer to God.

Why Anxiety Thrives in a Distracted Life

"Be still, and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)

Most people think anxiety comes from having too much to do. But in reality, it comes from being disconnected from God and pulled in too many directions. The mind becomes cluttered, priorities become unclear, and stress takes over.

Lent forces us to slow down and refocus. It’s a structured way to:

✔ Clear mental clutter through fasting
✔ Deepen spiritual resilience through prayer
✔ Break the cycle of self-focus through almsgiving

The Ancient Wisdom of the Church

The saints understood this long before modern science confirmed it. St. John Climacus wrote in The Ladder of Divine Ascent:

"Fasting is the mother of prayer, the source of stillness, and the enemy of self-indulgence."

Lent isn’t about punishing yourself—it’s about freeing yourself. Freeing yourself from distractions, from worldly anxieties, from the false belief that you’re in control.

St. Basil the Great said it best:

"Fasting gives birth to prophets and strengthens the mighty. Fasting makes lawgivers wise."

If you’re drowning in stress, Lent is your opportunity to take back control—not by doing more, but by surrendering more to God.

The Practical Side: Applying Lent to Your Career

Christian professionals are often told to “work harder” to manage stress. But what if your stress is actually a sign that you need to work differently—with more spiritual discipline?

Here’s how you can integrate Lenten principles into your daily life:

📌 Start your workday with prayer. Before emails and meetings, anchor your mind in God’s presence.

📌 Fast from digital noise. Set specific times to check emails and social media instead of being constantly available.

📌 Give intentionally. Use your resources to help someone in need—whether through mentorship, charitable giving, or acts of kindness in your workplace.

These small changes create a ripple effect that brings clarity, peace, and renewed purpose.

Your Challenge This Lent

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or spiritually dry, don’t just push through it. Use Lent as an opportunity to reset.

Ask yourself:
✅ What distractions do I need to remove?
✅ How can I deepen my prayer life?
✅ Where can I be more generous with my time and resources?

The promise of Easter is not just Christ’s victory over death—it’s your invitation to live in that victory, even in the midst of a stressful world.

And it starts with Lent.