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Break Reminders

Automatic notifications remind you to take breaks during extended Execute Mode sessions to maintain focus and prevent burnout.

Overview​

Break Reminders provide:

  • 🔔 Desktop notifications at configured intervals
  • ⏰ Smart timing based on work duration
  • ☕ Gentle prompts to rest
  • ⚙️ Customizable intervals
  • 🔕 Easy enable/disable

Prevents:

  • Burnout from marathon sessions
  • Declining effectiveness over time
  • Physical strain from prolonged sitting
  • Mental fatigue

Basic Operation​

  1. Enable break reminders in Execute Settings
  2. Set interval (default: 25 minutes)
  3. Work in Execute Mode - timer tracks duration
  4. Notification appears after interval
  5. Take break (optional - reminders don't force pauses)
  6. Return to Execute Mode when ready

When Notifications Appear​

Timing:

  • First reminder: After initial interval (e.g., 25 min)
  • Subsequent reminders: Every interval after first

Example with 25-min interval:

  • 25 min: First reminder
  • 50 min: Second reminder
  • 75 min: Third reminder
  • etc.

Tracks from:

  • Execute Mode session start time
  • Not per-step (continuous across steps)

Browser Permissions Required​

First time:

  1. Enable break reminders
  2. Browser prompts: "Allow notifications from healup.me?"
  3. Click "Allow"
  4. Future reminders work automatically

If blocked:

  • Reminders won't show
  • Check browser settings → Notifications
  • Allow healup.me or app.healup.me
  • Test with Test Reminder button

Platform-Specific​

macOS:

  • System notifications appear in top-right
  • Sound plays (if system sound enabled)
  • Shows in Notification Center

Windows:

  • Action Center notifications
  • Toast appears bottom-right
  • System sound (if enabled)

Linux:

  • Depends on desktop environment
  • Usually top-right notifications
  • Sound varies by system

Mobile:

  • PWA install required for reliable notifications
  • May require explicit permission grant
  • Background limitations apply

Do I have to take break when reminded?​

No. Reminders are suggestions. You control when/if to break.

Can I snooze reminder?​

Not currently. Dismiss and it will reappear next interval. Snooze feature coming soon.

What if I'm in middle of step when reminder appears?​

Finish thought, then break. Or break immediately if natural pause point. Your choice.

Do breaks pause timer?​

No. Timer continues unless you manually pause it. Break reminders are independent of step timer.

Can I disable sound?​

Notification sound controlled by browser/OS settings, not HealUp. Check system settings → Notifications.

Will reminders appear if Execute Mode minimized?​

Yes. Reminders track session time regardless of minimized/full screen state.

Break Ideas​

5-Minute Breaks:

  • Stand and stretch
  • Walk around room/office
  • Get water
  • Look out window (eye rest)
  • Brief meditation

10-Minute Breaks:

  • Short walk outside
  • Light snack
  • Chat with colleague/family
  • Quick exercise (jumping jacks, push-ups)

15-30 Minute Breaks:

  • Longer walk
  • Proper meal
  • Power nap (if effective for you)
  • Change of scenery

What not to do:

  • Dive into email (creates new mental load)
  • Start another task
  • Scroll social media endlessly

Real breaks = mental and physical rest, not context switch.

Take care of yourself while executing.

Open HealUp → and enable break reminders for sustainable focus.