In modern interpretation, people abstain from harmful habits for a certain period of time with hopes of fulfilling a desire.
What is asceticism?
The term "asceticism" is derived from the noun "asceticism," a life principle in which a person restricts themselves in certain things, products, and imposes self-prohibitions on specific actions, turning it into a philosophy of life.

Consciously giving up bad habits undoubtedly benefits the body in the long run. However, asceticism only involves a small break (usually a week, a month, or slightly longer) and doesn't lead to changes in thinking or lifestyle.
Asceticism can be seen as artificially creating scarcity.
Short-term "dieting" only provides temporary effects and after cessation, significantly increases the craving for the products and habits that one recently abstained from. For instance, people dream of a delicious piece of cake after an ascetic phase of avoiding sweets, and as a result, end up consuming two or more pieces.
Drawbacks of asceticism.
Asceticism is a kind of trial, which essentially puts significant stress on both the body and the mind.

There are at least three negative consequences of conscious renunciation:

• The vague and meaningless goal remains, which illogically aligns with the object of prohibition. For example, if a woman abstains from sweets for a month, she will miraculously get married. How the act of giving up candies and cakes will influence the organization of a wedding remains unclear;

• The inflexibility of asceticism is hard to bear when the psyche is already strained. The lack of alternatives and acute deficiency can evoke feelings of desperation, fear, anxiety, and powerlessness;

• A person after practicing asceticism might experience disappointment, as desires unrelated to the subject of abstention are unlikely to come true.

Asceticism can be viewed as a striving to inflict pain and torment upon oneself.

Some people renounce pleasures to atone for guilt or punish themselves for certain actions, thoughts, desires, or sins. Essentially, this is an attempt to manipulate oneself, a way to escape from true needs.
Benefits of asceticism.

Thus, asceticism is not suitable for everyone. Under the right circumstances, a vow can indeed bring benefits.

Asceticism disciplines well, makes a person stronger, and contributes to the reinforcement of motivation. Those who successfully undergo this trial feel inner satisfaction, joy from victory, pride in their perseverance, and the ability to resist desires.
It's an excellent way to boost self-esteem, learn self-control, find inner peace, and gain confidence in one's abilities.

Asceticism shouldn't be seen as the sole solution to problems or desire fulfillment. Conscious renunciation works well as a light trial before a period of prolonged abstinence, especially when it concerns a bad habit (smoking, alcohol, gambling).

However, to avoid diving into stress, depression, and heavy thoughts, I recommend incorporating good habits into your life alongside asceticism (for example, a morning jog or a glass of water before meals).
Such replacements will help ease the experience of deprivation, gain new experiences, impressions, and satisfaction from the process.

Best of luck in understanding yourself ! ❤️