Spending long hours in front of a computer is common, but it’s crucial to take regular breaks for eye health and overall physical comfort.
Ubuntu users have several software options available to help schedule and remind them to step away from the screen. This article examines various applications that offer timely break reminders, detailing their features and installation procedures.
Note: This article was created in collaboration with technofossy.com.
Why Use Break Reminder Software?
Consistent computer use without breaks can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and musculoskeletal issues. Break reminder software helps mitigate these risks by prompting users to pause, stretch, or perform eye exercises at configurable intervals. This can lead to improved focus, reduced discomfort, and better long-term health.
Break Reminder Software Options for Ubuntu:
1. Safe Eyes
Safe Eyes is a comprehensive tool designed to protect your eyes by reminding you to take breaks. It offers a range of features to ensure you get a restful night’s sleep.
Key Features:
- Short breaks with integrated eye exercises.
- Longer breaks prompting physical movement and warm-ups.
- A “strict break” mode for users who find it hard to step away.
- Ability to not disturb when full-screen applications are active (e.g., during movies).
- Option to disable the keyboard during breaks.
- Pre-break notifications.
- Support for multiple displays.
- Automatic pausing if the system detects user inactivity.
- Optional audible alerts at the end of break periods.
- Available in multiple languages.
Important Note: As of mid-2024, Safe Eyes may experience issues on Ubuntu 24.04 due to incompatibilities with Python 3.12.
Installation:
You can install Safe Eyes directly using apt:
Alternatively, install it from its PPA for potentially newer versions:
Adding PPA… (output follows)
admin@technofossy:~$ sudo apt-get update
Hit:1 http://archive.ubuntu.com/ubuntu focal InRelease… (output follows)
admin@technofossy:~$ sudo apt-get install safeeyes
Reading package lists… Done (output follows)
Safe Eyes is also available via Flathub.
A visual of Safe Eyes short break screen
For further details, you can refer to its GitHub repository.
Read: How to fix Bluetooth connection issues on Ubuntu 22.04
2. Take A Break
Take A Break is another application aimed at reminding users to take regular breaks. It was last updated in late 2015.
Installation:
To install Take A Break, you can use its PPA:
PPA successfully added. (output follows)
admin@technofossy:~$ sudo apt-get update
Reading package lists… Done (output follows)
admin@technofossy:~$ sudo apt-get install takeabreak
Installing takeabreak… (output follows)
User Notes: Some users find it useful, particularly for its effects that encourage standing up. However, others have reported issues such as the application not opening correctly on certain Ubuntu versions (e.g., 18.04) or only providing notifications without screen dimming or locking functionalities.
3. Workrave
Workrave is a well-known break reminder application available in Ubuntu’s repositories. It helps in preventing Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).
Installation:
Install Workrave from the default Ubuntu repositories:
For a newer version, the official Workrave PPA can be used:
admin@technofossy:~$ sudo apt update
admin@technofossy:~$ sudo apt install workrave
User Notes: A potential drawback noted is that Workrave might reset its timers after very short periods of system idleness, which could result in breaks not being triggered as expected. There may not be an option to configure this idle time.
4. Xwrits
Xwrits is a program similar to Workrave, with a focus on wrist care. It is available from the Software Centre and was last updated in 2009.
Installation:
Likely installable via a command such as:
admin@technofossy:~$ sudo apt install xwrits
# (Verify package name if installing from command line)
5. Stretchly
Stretchly is an open-source and highly customizable break-taking application designed to remind you to take breaks while working on your computer.
Key Features:
- Open-source.
- Highly customizable break reminders and durations.
Installation:
Stretchly offers several installation options, including Flatpak, AppImage, and Snap.
To install via Snap:
stretchly vX.Y.Z installed
Precompiled .deb packages are also available on its download page.
Stretchly interface
Read: Troubleshooting Audio Issues (Crackling, No Sound) on Ubuntu 24.04 with PipeWire
6. BreakTimer App
BreakTimer App is a customizable break reminder application that aims for good integration with various desktop environments. It is free and open-source.
Installation:
It is available on the Ubuntu software store as a Snap package. Other formats can be found on its GitHub repository.
To install via Snap (assuming package name breaktimer, verify in Snap store):
admin@technofossy:~$ snap install breaktimer-app
# (Verify the exact snap name, e.g., ‘breaktimer’ or ‘breaktimer-app’)
breaktimer-app vX.Y.Z installed
The source code is available on GitHub.
BreakTimer interface
7. GNOME Break Timer
GNOME Break Timer is designed for the GNOME 3 desktop environment. It tracks computer usage and reminds users to take breaks. It serves as a replacement for the older drwright tool from GNOME 2 and integrates as a status application.
Key Features:
- Tracks computer usage.
- Designed for GNOME 3, following new design patterns.
- Tight integration with GNOME Shell.
- Written in Vala and uses GTK.
Installation would typically be through the GNOME Software center or package manager if available for your distribution.
8. Iris
Iris is a proprietary software option for break reminders and eye protection. It offers a web demo for users to try its features.
Type: Proprietary
More information and the demo can be found at their website.
9. Pomodoro Apps
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that uses a timer to break work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Many applications implement this technique.
Concept:
You can configure work sessions (e.g., 45 minutes) followed by short rest periods (e.g., 1 minute). Various “pomodoro” apps are available for Linux that can facilitate this.
Choosing the Right App for You
The best break reminder app depends on your specific needs:
- For extensive features and eye exercises: Safe Eyes (check compatibility with your Ubuntu version).
- For high customizability: Stretchly or BreakTimer App.
- For GNOME 3 integration: GNOME Break Timer.
- For a simple PPA-based option: Take A Break (be mindful of reported issues).
- For a long-standing option: Workrave (note the timer reset behavior).
- If you prefer proprietary software with potentially different features: Iris.
- For a structured work/break interval approach: Explore various Pomodoro apps.
Conclusion
Maintaining healthy work habits on your Ubuntu system is easier with the right tools. Several applications offer robust features to remind you to take necessary breaks, from simple notifications to interactive exercise prompts. By exploring these options, you can find a break reminder that fits your workflow and helps protect your well-being.
What are your favorite ways to manage breaks on Ubuntu? Have you tried any of these applications, or do you recommend others? Share your experiences in the comments below.
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