Did anyone tell you that staying and working continuously for longer time on computer can cause some serious injuries?
Well, as a computer student myself, we had a chapter dedicated to RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) and about posture related to placement of computer monitor, keyboard, mouse and chair. But, I never took it seriously and it was just another chapter to complete. I have worked on computer for more than 15 years now since secondary class student when I was a wild gamer playing more than 10 hours a day to my professional life now working on computers for 8-10 hours a day. Though I have no symptoms of any RSI at the moment, but I can predict that if my life goes on like this, the day will be very near that I could suffer from RSI on my hands, neck and my back. Between the period of my life when I got knowledge about RSI, I have searched more on exercise and activities which will keep my body loose between my works. Therefore, I have found two simple rule.
- Take short break for least of 5 minutes at least every 20 minutes while working on computer.
- Involve in physical activity and if possible stay away from work area during the break time.
I usually follow the 2nd point but it is point less until the 1st point is satisfied. That is, I involve in physical activity randomly or just 1-2 times a day. It depends on my work flow and my mood. But this habit is not fruitful. Here is the list of exercise you can do sitting on your office chair I have written a year ago “Click Me”.
So, to fulfill the 1st point and keep this list of exercises on a harmonious timing, this awesome application called “BreakTaker” will help a lot.
What is BreakTaker?
BreakTaker is a simple, lightweight application for Windows OS that shows an interesting pop-up every interval of time reminding you to take a break or rest and involve in physical activity. After installation of BreakTaker, the application stays on your system tray. You can right-click on it for easy to use settings panel.
BreakTaker is developed by a talented software engineer, Evan Wondrasek. I thank him for the application and would request him to keep this project up for infinity of years.
Why BreakTaker?
BreakTaker is not just a reminder, it is one interesting application that will remind you in style. There is a couple of interesting activity BreakTaker reminds which you can see in the screenshots below.
BreakTaker will also snooze the reminder if you like to do the activity later and it will again remind you after 10 minutes. Well, this time you are warned by the red colored pop up.
BreakTaker also has a list of options like customization of notification interval time, sound and even color schemes.
Are you going to try it?
I recommend it for any desk workers. Though big companies have rules and regulations about workplace and employees health. I have found that these rules are not followed or least followed. Similarly, if you are your own boss or work as freelancer, there is very less chance that you stick to these healthy rules. That was the main problem for me. But BreakTaker interestingly encourages you to take break and in style. I have used this application for more than 4 months now and I have also improved my water intake during work.
Specially for creative designers and programmers, they do not want distraction during work, but for the long-term it is not recommended. Just take a ride with this application coupled by the list of exercises that I have recommended, and stay healthy.
What BreakTaker cannot do?
BreakTaker is very light and small application. It’s primary work is to remind between set time. But it is not your mom who will pull your ear to take a break. Taking break is all in your hand. Other than that, the application does not have logging facility that will help to find that break was taken or not. But for a free application like this, I have no more expectation than that it fulfills my need.
Where should I download BreakTaker?
BreakTaker is available on various download websites.
What are exercises?
Along with the BreakTaker, I recommend coupling it up with set of workouts specially designed for desk workers. Click the image below to find the list of exercises.
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