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

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.