An underappreciated aspect of studying for the LSAT is what you must give up. And so now — with Lent upon us — it seems like a good time to talk about… simplifying.

Let me start by saying that I’m not Catholic, and so my experience with Lent is from the outsider’s perspective. But it seems to me that simplifying — getting rid of some things in life that might be slowing you down — is a great exercise, one that could be applied to the intensive period of preparing for the LSAT.

Here are some things people give up for Lent that LSAT students might want to try:

1. Drinking alcohol. You might lose a few pounds. Your head will be a little clearer. Maybe the acne eases up. It’s good to feel good when you’re in a stressful situation.

2. Unhealthy food. This is really similar to point number one. When you feel good and healthy, you perform better. And people check you out.

3. Following/talking politics. Do people really give this up for Lent? Whatever, in this day and age, it’s necessary for your sanity.

4. Social media. I know what you’re thinking. That sounds like a death sentence. Srsly. But if you do this, number three is basically in the bag. When you’re pissed, you’re not learning.

Now that we’ve been through that, here are the things people give up for Lent that they should NOT give up for the LSAT.

1. Swearing. You will need to swear while studying for the LSAT. Trust me.

2. Shopping. You’ll need to pamper yourself every once in a while.

3. Coffee/caffeine. You will need one of those camel long distance runner backpacks constantly leaking coffee into your mouth throughout the day.

4. Sex. Bae still needs you.

Are you giving up anything for Lent and/or the LSAT? Drop a comment below!