Lent starts on Ash Wednesday which is February 10 this year, and it's the perfect time to give up something and kick your bad habits once and for all.

Whether it's chocolate, smoking or overspending, here are 8 different things you should give up for Lent and why as there are multiple benefits to giving up our favourite naughty traits.

Chocolate

Giving up chocolate for Lent will help you kick your cravings once and for all

The NHS says we're all eating way too much sugar and if chocolate is your weakness, giving it up for 40 days could be just what you need to finally kick your habit for good.

Not only does too much sugar give you tooth decay it can also lead to the build up of harmful fat on the inside that we can't see.

This fat around vital organs can cause weight gain, Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers!

Smoking

Quit smoking and you'll save money and improve your health

Anyone who smokes knows all about the dangers it can cause and the effects it has on your body.

So aside from cutting your risk of getting heart disease, lung cancer and chronic bronchitis, the NHS claims that you'll also have better sex, more energy, whiter teeth, better smell and taste and you'll feel less stressed.

And even better, you'll save money. Want to know a rough idea of how much you'll save based on how often you smoke? You can calculate it at www.canstopsmoking.com

Watching too much TV

Do you watch too much TV? Giving it up has some great benefits

Quit being a couch potato this Lent by limiting your time in front of the TV.

You might think you don't watch a lot of it, but tot up the time your favourite shows are on for and that's just what you tune in to regularly.

Limiting the amount of time you watch TV for will stop you wasting time meaning you could even get more sleep, it will reduce your risk of obesity if you get up and move about more, and you might even save a few pounds on your electricity bill!

Caffeine

Ditch your coffee for a better night's sleep

Do you rely on your morning Starbucks to get you through the day? Give up your favourite coffee or teas if you find yourself having too much as The Royal College of Psychiatrists recommends that anyone feeling tired should cut out caffeine.

Reducing your coffees can lower your blood pressure, help you sleep better and will save your a fortune! Think about how much your daily cappuccino or latte adds up to each week.

Negativity

Quit negativity this Lent

Stop yourself from being a negative Nancy and you'll reap the rewards.

The NHS explains that negative feelings usually lift but they can lead to depression. So kick your negative thoughts by getting a good night's sleep, sticking to a healthy diet, reducing your alcohol intake and regularly exercising.

Or even try some breathing exercises and a spot of positive thinking, you'll be surprised how much it could lift your mood.

Overspending

Stop your shopping sprees and save a fortune this Lent

Cut down on your shopping sprees and you'll be surprised how quickly your savings will mount up.

hat extra jacket, pair of shoes or jeans that you just absolutely have to have can wait, and if you still really want them, you can get them when Lent is over.

Junk food

Swap a plate of junk food for a meal containing lean protein, vegetables and healthier carbs

Giving up junk food will obviously help you loose weight as greasy pizza, burgers and fries are laden with calories. But they're also high in saturated fat and salt which can lead to chronic health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease and high cholesterol.

Quitting it for Lent will encourage you to eat more fruit and veg so it will help you to get in your five-a-day, and will help you get in your essential nutrients and vitamins from other healthier options.

Gossiping

Swap gossiping for better conversations

Stop gossiping throughout Lent and it'll free up more time to focus on yourself and those who really matter to you.

Gossiping can be bad karma anyway, as if you're talking about people to somebody, the likelihood is, they're talking about you!

You'll also have better conversations with those around you and talking about more positive things will also lift your mood making you feel much better.