deny oneself
verb1
To decline the gratification of appetites, desires, impulses, or needs; to practise self-denial.
- Let him deny himself, and take up his cross.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Matthew 16:24:
- When you treat your basic needs as rewards, you can easily deny yourself good health because you haven't 'earned' it.2023, Amy Arthur, Pace Yourself: How to have energy in an exhausting world: