A breathwork intervention positively impacts the well-being of knowledge workers, who face high stress from deadlines, overcommitment, isolation, sleep deprivation, and decision-making pressure. Through 43 semi-structured interviews analyzed via Constructive Grounded Theory, the study proposes the Breathe-well Grounded Theory, which identifies key concepts, principles, elements, dimensions, and interconnections shaping knowledge workers' lives and work experiences. The results are discussed in relation to general well-being theories. The authors offer theoretical, research, and practical implications to help knowledge workers improve their general well-being.
An 8-week program teaching mindfulness and breathing practices to IT workers was associated with increased mental well-being, perceived productivity, and self-awareness, based on thematic analysis of participants' reflections and daily well-being ratings. The authors recommend continuing the program in industry settings to evaluate its impact on work outputs.
IT workers who completed a 12-week or 8-week breathwork course reported enhanced wellbeing and relaxation. The course included weekly wellbeing content, live practice with discussion, and a breathing session for neuroplasticity. Participants found the guidance friendly and easy to follow. The findings suggest that such a breathing technique could help reduce stress and, over time, support wellbeing and resilience, key aspects of individual sustainability.