What Now? 7 Intentional Ways to Keep the Post-Lent Glow Going
Lent has come and gone. For 40 days, you might have sacrificed something, such as a habit, a craving, or a distraction, or added something healing to your life like prayer, journaling, or walking in nature. However you observed it, one thing is clear: you created space for intention. And that space doesn’t have to end just because the season did.
If you missed it, we explored Lent through a self-renewal lens in this article. For many Black women, Lent is more than just tradition. It’s an annual invitation to pause, realign, and nourish every part of ourselves: mind, body, spirit, and bank account.
So what comes next?
Here are 7 ways to carry that post-Lent energy forward, without the pressure to be perfect, just present.
1. Turn Ritual Into Routine
Did you discover that a daily walk, journaling session, or evening wind-down helped clear your mind during Lent? Instead of letting go of those practices, weave them into your weekly routine. You don’t need to do them daily; just often enough to keep your cup filled.
Small acts done consistently often bring more change than dramatic gestures done once.
2. Set Intentions Instead of Restrictions
Lent is often framed around sacrifice. But moving forward, try flipping the script. Instead of asking, “What should I give up?” ask yourself, “What do I want to invite in?”
Whether it’s more joy, more energy, or more time for yourself, being intentional about what you add is just as powerful as what you remove.
3. Choose One Anchor Habit
If the full routine feels overwhelming post-Lent, simplify. Choose one anchor habit, a habit that keeps you grounded and reminds you of your goals. That could be stretching in the morning, reading before bed, or drinking water before coffee.
When life gets busy, your anchor habit can be your wellness lifeline.
4. Protect the Boundaries You Built
Did you say “no” more during Lent? Take social media breaks? Distance yourself from energy-draining folks? Don’t feel pressure to return to the noise just because Lent is over. Boundaries aren’t temporary; they’re tools for your peace.
5. Prioritize Financial Wellness
If Lent helped you cut back on spending or become more mindful of your budget, now’s the time to solidify that habit. You don’t need to overhaul your finances; just pick one goal.
Set up a weekly money check-in. Automate a small amount into savings. Read a finance blog written by and for Black women (we recommend My Fab Finance and Clever Girl Finance).
Financial wellness is spiritual wellness too.
6. Celebrate the Progress, Not Just Perfection
Maybe you didn’t stick to your Lent goal perfectly. That’s okay. What matters is that you started. Your progress, your effort, is still worthy of recognition.
Perfection isn’t the goal. Consistency with compassion is.
7. Build Community Around Your Wellness
You’re not meant to do it all alone. Whether it’s a text thread with friends, a virtual support group, or a book club that feeds your spirit (like ours in The Network), choose community over isolation. Growth thrives in shared spaces.
You could even host a post-Lent reflection brunch with a few friends, complete with candles, journals, mocktails, and affirmations.
Ready to Keep the Glow Going?
Lent may be over, but your growth journey is still unfolding. Whether you observe it for spiritual reasons or as a reset ritual, Lent can spark something lasting. Keep tending to what you planted. Water your boundaries, intentions, and routines with love.
For more reflections like this, visit our Wellness section. And if you’re ready to build your personal ritual toolkit, stay tuned. We’ve got checklists, playlists, and printables coming soon.
Resources to Support Your Journey
- My Fab Finance: Financial education made simple and culturally relevant
- Black Girl in Om: Meditation, breathwork, and spiritual growth through a Black woman’s lens
- Clever Girl Finance: Free personal finance courses and real-life money tips
- HealHaus: Virtual and in-person wellness classes centering BIPOC healing
- Therapy for Black Girls: Mental health resources and directories tailored to Black women
- The BWN Book Club: Our community-powered corner for growth, storytelling, and reflection
