One year, a friend decided to give up worry for Lent. Other years she had tried giving up chocolate or coffee, but instead of focusing on a physical habit, she decided to tackle her habit of being anxious. Instead of worrying about her family, she would pray. Instead of taking her work problems home with her, she would shut them up in her office and refuse to worry about them. Instead of being anxious about her own life, she would try putting everything into perspective by focusing on the life and suffering of Jesus.

Giving up worry for Lent was a good idea, but it was also a lot harder than giving up chocolate or coffee. Most days she found her thoughts turning to worry, so her Lenten practice became more about stopping worry than being able to give it up altogether. Still it was a good …