The point is to just get up and move on a regular basis during the day. I like Stretchly for the job because it’s free and open source, but there are a few other options (including those smart devices I mentioned earlier) that can also get the job done. That allows me to get some work done while also being cognizant of the fact I’m parked at my desk all day and should probably stretch my legs every now and then. Writing takes a bit of focus for me and breaking that focus every 10 minutes, no matter how good for my body, would reek havoc on my work productivity.įor me, something more along the lines of taking that 20-second break every 30 minutes and then strolling around the office for 5 minutes every hour is a bit more practical. For a more low-key reminder, the Awareness download for Windows. Those times are the default, but you can customize them to match what works best for your workflow as well and skip them entirely if they come up at an inopportune time.įor instance, I know if I took a 20-second break I would never get anything done. The Big Stretch Reminder utility prompts you. Stretchy is a desktop app for Windows, Mac, and Linux that reminds you to take a 20-second break every 10 minutes and a 5-minute break every 30. Windows XP / Windows Vista / Windows 7 / Windows 8 / Windows 2000 Server / Windows Server 2003 / Windows Server 2008 / Windows Server 2012 / Windows 10. However, even those can get easy to ignore. Download here Big Stretch Reminder for free: This program will happily tell you when you should take a break for optimal healthiness while using your computer. Select when you want the reminder to pop up from the Begin the task option.

Select Windows 10 or Windows 11 under the Configure for drop-down menu at the bottom. Enter the task name under the General tab. Some fitness trackers and smartwatches can be programmed with an alarm that sounds when you’ve been sedentary for too long, suggesting you get up and move. Click on Create Task from the menu on the right. Stretchly itself lives in your tray, only displaying a reminder window from time to time, which contains an idea for a break. We all know that sitting for long periods of time is bad for our health, but remembering to get up and takes breaks isn’t exactly an easy proposition. Stretchly is a cross-platform open source app that reminds you to take breaks when working on your computer.

Stretch reminder windows 10