The Dark Ink

Live with purpose, with fire in your soul.
Follow the whispers of your heart, wherever they go.

Dream Boldly. Love Deeply. Walk Freely.
Live for you and nobody else.

They’ll question you. Doubt you. Try to mould you into something you’re not.
But their judgment is not your truth.
Let go of the noise. Let go of their weight, and come home to yourself.
– Shruti Bevara

Life is beyond numbers, figures and material possessions. Grasp your truth and run for your dreams.

In a world where ‘Burnout’ is worn as a badge of honour, achievement, and growth. Where productivity is prized above peace, the terms ‘Self-Care’ and ‘Self-Pamper’ are tossed around interchangeably. Albeit they are two sides of the same coin, they serve different purposes.
For most of us, self-care means booking a trip, going off-grid, indulging in a 27-step skincare routine (especially us women), and devouring enough junk food to feed a small army. But when funds are low and energy is lower, we settle for the ultimate budget-friendly escape: crawling under a blanket, into a bed and disappearing into sleep.
Because let’s be real, nothing beats a good nap. (If that nap is 2 days straight? Perfection!)

We tend to blur the lines between self-care and self-pampering, using them interchangeably, without truly understanding that real care lies in the small, consistent habits that help us stay grounded and balanced.
We’ve all heard endless free advice on how to live a successful, balanced life—what to do, what to avoid, what to eat, how to act, how to care for ourselves and others. Yet somehow, the right formula always seems to be missing, doesn’t it?

What is Self-care?

So let’s break the illusion and talk about what self-care really looks like in practice. Self-care is a conscious, free-willed effort to take care of oneself in every aspect – Physically, Mentally, Emotionally and Financially (Of course!). “Self-care isn’t glamorous—it’s not long showers, sheet masks, scented candles, or dessert binges.
Self-care is in no shape or form fancy.
Self-care is Discipline. Consistency. Maintenance.
Is it scary? yes. Does it feel like torture? Yes. But is it worth every bit of willing determination and performance? Absolutely YES!
It’s waking up early to go for a walk, even when your bed is more inviting. It’s setting boundaries, saying no when necessary, and doing the hard emotional work to heal.
It’s going to therapy, drinking more water, unplugging from screens, or making that dentist appointment you’ve been putting off for months. It’s taking responsibility for your mental, physical, and emotional health in ways that may not feel good in the moment, but serve us deeply in the long run.
True self-care isn’t a once-in-a-while ritual—it’s a long-term commitment to yourself.

What is Self-Pamper?

Here’s my take on self-pampering. “Self-pampering is how we romanticise our day-to-day lives—a gentle ritual of love, comfort, and indulgence. It’s about treating yourself to small luxuries (and sometimes, big ones) after a tough day or rough patch. It is retail therapy, binge watching favourite shows on the bed, eating snacks and ice cream or cake (I miss cake, maybe I need a cake pamper session!) The most important part? It is to not feel guilty about any of it.
There’s nothing wrong with self-pampering — in fact, it’s essential. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not just managed.
Pampering helps us relax, recharge, and reconnect with ourselves. It’s like a 20-second hug from someone you love—the kind that melts your guard, lets you exhale deeply, and reminds your mind: “It’s safe now. You can stop fighting. We made it through the day.“

What’s the difference? Why does it matter?

It’s easy to confuse the two, especially when pampering gets marketed as self-care.
But here’s the real difference: one offers a temporary psychological fix, while the other supports long-term well-being.

If all we do is pamper ourselves without practising real care, we may find ourselves in a cycle of indulgence without real growth. We might feel good temporarily but remain overwhelmed, tired, or emotionally drained.

On the flip side, only practicing strict self-care without allowing space for pampering can lead to burnout and resentment. Life without necessary breaks becomes rigid, and even the healthiest routine starts to feel like a chore. And we stop enjoying the process.

The Final Goal? Finding The Balance

Finding balance between self-care and self-pampering means knowing what you need versus what you want in the moment. Self-care is about long-term growth—discipline, rest, boundaries—while self-pampering is about short-term joy and comfort. You need both. Look for the signs your body gives you.
Check in with yourself regularly: Are you avoiding discomfort, or genuinely needing a break? Choose care when you’re building, and pampering when you’re healing. Balance happens when you treat both your future self and present self with equal love and attention.

I hope this piece brought you some clarity—and a little joy along the way.
Until next time. With another blog!

Stay Positive! Stay True! Stay You!
Shruti