Breathe-well grounded theory: Self-discovery and personal growth in knowledge workers through well-being practices

Knowledge workers often face high stress due to deadlines and overcommitment, which negatively impacts their well-being. They have specific characteristics and challenges, such as a tendency to work in isolation or in intense team environments, sleep deprivation, and making decisions under pressure. To support preventive measures, this study provides a comprehensive, systematic understanding of the factors contributing to the well-being of knowledge workers in light of a specific intervention. We designed, implemented and evaluated a programme using breathwork to reduce stress, improve well-being and foster resilience. We conducted 43 semi-structured interviews and analysed them via Constructive Grounded Theory. We propose the Breathe-well Grounded Theory with key concepts, principles, elements, dimensions, and interconnections that shape the lives and work experiences of knowledge workers, particularly in light of the applied breathwork intervention. We discuss our results in relation to well-known general theories on well-being. We conclude that breathwork interventions have a positive impact on the well-being of knowledge workers. We offer theoretical, research and practical implications that help knowledge workers improve their general well-being. • The practice of breathwork enhanced emotional regulation and self-reflective capacity in the R2F programme participants. • Participants reported altered states of consciousness during breathwork sessions. • Breathwork and mindfulness practices increased empowerment and agency in participants. • Participants reported an increase in their perceived well-being while doing breathwork.