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

Author

Listed:
  • Ritika Jain
  • Pallavi Srivastava
  • Anubhav Mishra

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Ritika Jain & Pallavi Srivastava & Anubhav Mishra, 2025. "Me-time and Well-being: Rethinking Balance in the Modern Work–Life Landscape," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 14(2), pages 162-180, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:sajbmc:v:14:y:2025:i:2:p:162-180
    DOI: 10.1177/22779779251353442
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Merlin Mythili Nelson & Bhawna Agarwal, 2023. "The Rigmarole of Negotiating Double Binds: A Qualitative Study of Indian Women Academics’ Work-from-home Routines in COVID-19 Times," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 12(3), pages 372-389, December.
    2. Simona Šarotar Žižek & Sonja Treven & Vesna Čančer, 2015. "Employees in Slovenia and Their Psychological Well-Being Based on Ryff’s Model of Psychological Well-Being," Social Indicators Research: An International and Interdisciplinary Journal for Quality-of-Life Measurement, Springer, vol. 121(2), pages 483-502, April.
    3. Munjeyi Edmore & Fourie Houdini, 2024. "A Qualitative Diagnosis of Factors Influencing Presumptive Tax Collection in Zimbabwe," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 13(2), pages 166-186, August.
    4. Aditya Agrawal & Ashish Pandey & Payal Kumar, 2024. "A Case Study of a Post-Acquisition Organizational Healing Intervention: Enablers and Outcomes," South Asian Journal of Business and Management Cases, , vol. 13(1), pages 98-116, April.
    5. Yeong Gug Kim & Yeasun Kate Chung & Eunju Woo, 2023. "Gig Workers’ Quality of Life (QoL) and Psychological Well-Being in Service Delivery Platform," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(11), pages 1-13, May.
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