self-denial

Self-denial (related but different from self-abnegation or self-sacrifice) is an act of letting go of the self as with altruistic abstinence – the willingness to forgo personal pleasures or undergo personal trials in the pursuit of the increased good of another. Various religions and cultures take differing views of self-denial, some considering it a positive trait and others considering it a negative one. According to some Protestants, self-denial is considered a superhuman virtue only obtainable through Jesus. Some critics of self-denial suggest that self-denial can lead to self-hatred.

==Positive effects== There is evidence that short-term fasting (denying oneself food temporarily) can have positive effects on health. More broadly, self-denial has also been linked to inhibitory control and emotional self-regulation, which research suggests can be of benefit. Similarly, just as scarcity can lead people to focus on enjoying an experience more deeply, self-denial can enhance appreciation. This is particularly relevant because people tend to grow accustomed to material goods through hedonic adaptation, making them less likely to savor everyday pleasures.