It's often said that what people give up during the season of Lent reflects the times. With that in mind, here are a few ideas of what people might consider giving up for Lent as we hit Ash Wednesday.
Facebook
According to Facebook's internal data, the average user spends about seven hours out of the month on its website. Yes, that's a quick nap, a day at the ballpark, a haircut and a few days worth of gym, tan and laundry. It might take more than 40 days to wean yourself off of Facebook.
Twitter
Sticking with the social media, we turn to Twitter. As of April 2010, there were over 105 million users on Twitter, according to the website's co-founder, Biz Stone. There aren't many statistics as to how long the average user spends on Twitter, but thanks to phone apps and easy-to-use Twitter platforms for your desktop, it's possible that many are spending hours on the average sending out tweets.
Texting While Driving
Here's a scary statistic: Texting while driving is about six times more likely to result in a car accident than driving while intoxicated. Not that anyone should consider the latter over the former, but let's try over the next 40 days to see if we can keep the hands on the wheel and still manage to let our friends know we're running late the same way we used to in the old days -- by simply showing up late and apologizing.
Impulsive Internet Bargain Shopping
Sites like Groupon and Gilt Groupe provide consumers with buy-it-now at a low price or be forced to purchase it tomorrow at full price. Not that you need what's being offered, but can you believe the savings!? I'm just as guilty. Do I really need a $75 umbrella for $30 when I don't even need an umbrella at all? But the savings!!
Scripted Reality Television
Cut! No longer is reality television "real." Of course it begs to question whether it was real to begin with, but now it's clear that we prefer our TV shows to at least feel real. Now that everyone has a reality show, we can no longer sit and watch and say, "Who lives like this?" Apparently everyone! Or, better yet, no one. Maybe we can give up some of the scripted reality shows and head out in search of real moments of our own.
Infomercial Workout Routines
Whether you want a 10-minute body or have the urge to punch your 'X' card, infomercial workout routines are all the rage right now. Everyone seems hell-bent on 90-day workout routines which require more dedication than going to the gym a healthy three times per week. Admit it, you want the results but you don't have it in you to work out for 90 straight days.
Lent 2011 Ideas: What to Give Up for Lent
Mar 9, 2011 – 12:30 PM
Big Step Forward For Senate Immigration Bill
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Reports: Man Questioned Over Marathon Bombings Killed By Police
House Republicans Press On With Slashing Cuts
Garcetti Takes It
Sergio Makes 'Fried Chicken' Joke About Tiger
Weiner Throws His Hat In The Ring
Wolf Blitzer's Embarrassing Moment With Tornado Survivor
Inhofe: Oklahoma Aid Will Be 'Totally Different' From Sandy Aid
CBS Reporter's Grave Allegations
Knife Attack In China Wounds 6 Schoolchildren, 1 Adult
Pentagon Wants Millions To Maintain 'Inefficient' Facility
Take That, Citizens United!
Poll Shows National Support For Legalized Doctor-Assisted Suicide
Will She Get Life Or Death?
Two GOP Senators Battle 'Bizarre' Tea Party Demand
Business Tycoon: 'Corporations Should Pay No Taxes'
Atheist State Rep Shakes Up Prayer Session
Americans Feeling Effects Of Payroll Tax Increase
Best Buy CEO Claims 'Win-Win-Win'
U.S. Seized Phone Records For Fox News AND White House
LOOK: The Deadliest States For Tornadoes
IRS Inspector General's Staff Kept GOP Congressman Updated On Probe
Virginia GOP Candidate: 'I Don't Have Anything To Rephrase Or To Apologize For'
Many Insurance Payments Won't Cut It After Oklahoma Disaster
Portland Voters May Block Fluoridation
Moore Residents Take Stock Of Deadly Tornado's Full Horror
Leveled Schools Lacked Tornado Shelters Due To Haphazard Regulation
Military Rape Survivor Collects 113,000 Signatures Demanding Action
Student Debt Reaches New Heights
