Stretch Break is a desktop wellbeing application that encourages users to take regular breaks from computer work. It was designed with the GNOME desktop in mind, but its main application can also be used in other Linux desktop environments.
Its approach is deliberately simple, focusing on a repeating break schedule that responds to periods of inactivity. A companion GNOME Shell extension provides convenient access to reminder information, while a command-line interface makes it possible to incorporate the application into other desktop workflows.
This is free and open source software.
Key Features
- Displays break reminders at regular intervals, with a default schedule based on a short pause every 20 minutes.
- Automatically resets the break countdown when sufficient time has already been spent away from the computer.
- Supports temporarily muting reminders for a specified number of minutes.
- Reminders can also be muted indefinitely and subsequently re-enabled.
- Reading mode prevents the countdown from being reset merely because keyboard and mouse activity has stopped.
- Provides a command for immediately starting a break without waiting for the next scheduled reminder.
- Offers command-line controls for snoozing, muting and resuming reminders.
- The companion GNOME Shell extension displays the time remaining until the next break.
- GNOME integration includes access to application settings through the extension’s context menu.
- A widget API exposes status information for external desktop integrations.
- The widget interface can be used to create indicators for desktop environments such as KDE Plasma and Cinnamon.
- Supports background operation without keeping the main settings window visible.
Website: github.com/pieterdd/StretchBreak
Support:
Developer: Pieter
License: GNU General Public License v3.0
Stretch Break is written in Rust. Learn Rust with our recommended free books and free tutorials.
Related Software
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|---|---|
| Safe Eyes | Simple and extensible break reminder |
| Clight | Lightweight C daemon that turns your webcam into a light sensor |
| Stretchly | Reminder to take breaks |
| BreakTimer | Set up customizable breaks and will remind you to take them |
| Workrave | Assists in the recovery and prevention of Repetitive Strain Injury |
| Gammastep | Adjust the color temperature of your screen |
| wluma | Adaptive brightness based on screen content and ambient light |
| hyprsunset | Blue-light filtering and gamma adjustment for Hyprland |
| ZenBreak | Menu bar app that reminds you to take breaks |
| RSIBreak | Take care of your health and take regular breaks |
| sunsetr | Automatic blue-light filter |
| wlsunset | Adjusts display color temperature on Wayland compositors |
| Stretch Break | Digital wellbeing tool that helps you take regular breaks |
| Sane Break | Gentle break reminder |
| Taline | Eye-break reminders based on the 20-20-20 rule |
| eyerest | Remind your eyes to take a screen break |
| Blink | Configurable reminders to take regular screen breaks |
Read our verdict in the software roundup.
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