Me-time and Well-being: Rethinking Balance in the Modern Work–Life Landscape

Ritika Jain, Pallavi Srivastava and Anubhav Mishra

South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, 2025, vol. 14, issue 2, 162-180

Abstract: Me-time refers to the time spent on rejuvenation, self-development and self-actualization, apart from an individual’s work and family roles. Now individuals are realizing the importance of taking me-time for better well-being. However, there is a paucity of literature regarding the same. This study adopts an interpretivist paradigm using a qualitative research approach to understand the relevance and significance of me-time, and to identify the related constructs. Primary data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews with 28 working professionals across demographics in northern India. Content and thematic analysis of the data reveal that most respondents were taking me-time without realizing it and that the lockdown period helped them realize how important it is. The themes that emerged included me-time, psychological well-being, psychological distress, work–life conflict and job performance. The results helped in the development of a conceptual framework for further exploration. It is one of the early studies that contributes to the existing literature by focusing on the third dimension of work–life balance, that is, me-time. This study provides implications for organizations to develop policies that encourage employees to indulge in me-time.

Keywords: Me-time; rejuvenation; leisure time; work–life balance; well-being; thematic analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:sajbmc:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:162-180

DOI: 10.1177/22779779251353442

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