Sane Break is a desktop break reminder designed to encourage regular pauses without abruptly interrupting work. Instead of immediately forcing users to stop when a break becomes due, it first presents a gentle reminder and allows them to finish their current activity.
The application uses a two-stage approach that attempts to reconcile productive concentration with the need for periodic rest. It is particularly useful for people who habitually dismiss conventional break notifications because they arrive at inconvenient moments.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Uses a two-stage reminder system, beginning with a small, unobtrusive notification.
- Transitions to a full-screen break when the user naturally stops interacting with the computer.
- Can also begin the full-screen break after a configurable period if the initial reminder is repeatedly ignored.
- Avoids prominent Skip and Postpone buttons on the main reminder to discourage automatic dismissal.
- Provides alternative controls through the notification area for postponing reminders when necessary.
- Configurable inactivity detection pauses reminders when the computer is not being used.
- Can reset the current break timer after an extended idle period.
- Supports resetting the complete break cycle after a longer period away from the computer.
- Allows users to adjust the duration and frequency of breaks.
- Provides controls for leaving an enforced break when necessary.
- Can pause media playback when a break begins through supported desktop media controls.
- Integrates with KDE Plasma on Wayland and supports other desktops through appropriate compositor facilities.
- Provides an additional GNOME Shell integration for handling break windows on GNOME Wayland.
- Offers a configurable interface built using the Qt toolkit.
- Cross-platform support – runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows.
Website: github.com/AllanChain/sane-break
Support:
Developer: Allan Chain
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Sane Break is written in C++. Learn C++ with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
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Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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Sane Break does look neat. My break reminder software of choice for many years has been Workrave.