Buzz
When working on a computer, most of us tend to spend hours sitting down with very little movement. Studies have repeatedly shown that sitting for long hours without any physical activity can lead to obesity, back pain, and other serious health issues. One of the reasons why we spend hours in front of a computer screen is simply forgetting to take breaks.
Luckily, there are some free apps to remind you and even force you to take breaks. Here are the best and easiest-to-use apps for Windows to help you stay active and healthy.
1. Big Stretch Reminder
Big Stretch Reminder is a fantastic application that offers simple, lightweight, and free features allowing you to set reminders with customizable notifications. With this app, you can establish three different types of reminders based on their importance levels. For those stubborn individuals prone to ignoring reminders, the app enables you to dim the screen for a specified period, compelling you to take a break.
Other features of the app include setting break times, reminder sounds, increasing reminder frequency, providing motivational quotes during reminders, and more.
2. Stretchly
Stretchly is a cross-platform, open-source, and free application designed to remind you to take breaks and step away from your computer effortlessly. With Stretchly, you can create two types of reminders: Micro Breaks and Regular Breaks. As the names suggest, Micro Breaks help you relax your eyes, while Regular Breaks encourage you to move around a bit instead of staying still. Additionally, the app emits sounds when it's time to take a break. Similar to Big Stretch Reminder, you can configure the app to prevent you from skipping break times.
Despite its minimalist interface, Stretchly can be a bit puzzling with its “+” and “-” buttons. However, with a little patience to familiarize yourself, it remains an excellent application.
3. WorkRave
Among all the applications on this list, WorkRave offers the most features and advanced configurations for Windows. Upon initial installation and launch of the application, you'll encounter a small window with progress bars for three different types of reminders called micro break, rest break, and daily limit. Simply right-click on the app, select “Preferences,” and you'll find all available options for full customization of the reminders.
One of WorkRave's intriguing features is its tracking of all your break times, allowing you to see how many breaks you've taken. The app also includes some basic stretching exercises. Just choose “Exercises” from the right-click menu to view the instructions.
If you're seeking a fully customizable rest reminder that also tracks all your breaks, give WorkRave a try.
4. EyeLeo
The name of the app already reflects its purpose: EyeLeo is primarily designed to give your eyes short and appropriate breaks. These break times can be configured from the app's settings window to suit your needs. When it's time for a break, the app will dim the screen, create a black transparent layer, and display simple exercises to relax your eyes. These breaks can be skipped by clicking a button, but you can set it up to prevent yourself from skipping them.
Using this app in conjunction with the Night Light feature of Windows 10 or F.lux can maximize its benefits.
Please share below some of your thoughts and experiences about using these apps for taking work breaks! Wishing you success!
