As Lent sets in across Goa, the season of reflection is taking on a fresh meaning for many young people. While the 40 days have traditionally centred around prayer, penance and giving up certain comforts, today’s youth are choosing to go a step further. For them, Lent is not just about sacrifice — it is about transformation. From clean eating and digital detoxes to mindful spending and mental wellness, the youth are using this sacred period to build healthier routines and make lifestyle changes that last well beyond Easter. RESETTING HEALTH GOALS For Rochelle Fernandes from Margao, Lent became the perfect opportunity to return to a promise she had made to herself at the start of the year. “When the year started, I had made a resolution to eat healthy. The initial weeks were good, but then I slipped. So I decided to start again. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit. I’ve been consistent for some time now,” says Rochelle. Instead of viewing this period as a temporary pause, she sees it as a reset button — a structured time that encourages discipline and reflection while forming sustainable habits. HEALING FROM WITHIN For MMA fighter Nelson Paes, the focus this season is deeper than physical fitness. “I have been self-healing this Lent by reading books, meditating and focusing on manifestation,” he shares. While his profession demands physical endurance, Nelson is choosing to strengthen his mental and spiritual core. He tells us this Lent journey blends mindfulness with motivation, proving that sacrifice can sometimes mean slowing down rather than pushing harder. TIME FOR A DIGITAL DETOX
Ana Fernandes keeps away from her phone this lent season
Rachel Cardozo, a marketing professional from Dona Paula, has chosen to reduce the time she used to spend on social media. “I have begun using less social media, which I feel has helped me appreciate things better. For a change, I even went out trekking with a few friends. Lent is about abstaining from the things you are addicted to — and for me, it is social media,” she explains. Rachel’s not the only one; there are others who have done something similar. In a world driven by notifications and endless scrolling, a digital detox has opened space for real-world experiences, reflection and reconnection with nature. For 30- year-old, Ana Fernandes, from Chinchinim lent is reviving her skill of embroidery which she gave up. “As a child i used to love to embroider, it used to give me so much peace and a purpose. Now, this lent I have decided to give up on my screen time and look for ways to find peace. I have re-started my hobby, instead of doomscrolling which would lead nowhere.”SPENDING LESS, LIVING MORE Keith Faleiro, who works in the field of IT, is taking part in a growing global trend — the ‘no-spend weekend’. “Weekends were for spending and partying, but ever since the trend came out, we took it up. We don’t spend any money during the weekends. So hopefully we will keep this up till Easter night,” Keith shares. Instead of expensive outings, weekends now revolve around simple joys — home-cooked meals, long conversations and meaningful downtime.
