Whether or not you are a Christian, you should consider practicing the tradition of giving up something during the Lenten season, Dr. Robin says. Make a real sacrifice, like forgoing your morning cup of coffee or stopping yourself before indulging in gossip. "We don't want to give up things that really are no big deal, [that are] really not a sacrifice," she says.

Use the Lenten season to make positive changes in your life. It may be the perfect time for you to give up something permanently and change the way you live. "Make an assessment, decide what is a keeper and what it is that needs to be kicked to the curb," she says. "It could be the beginning of living a whole new world."