Time Out - Break Reminders 17+

You deserve a break

Dejal Systems, LLC

    • 4.6 • 242 Ratings
    • Free
    • Offers In-App Purchases

Screenshots

Description

You deserve a break. Easy break reminders, with flexible customization if you want it.

It is very easy to fall into bad habits when using a computer for hours on end. You care about what you are doing, so can sometimes push yourself too far, or over-strain yourself. The human body isn't built to sit in one position for endless hours, gripping a mouse or typing on the keyboard. Dejal Time Out is here to help. It will gently remind you to take a break on a regular basis.

Time Out comes with two kinds of breaks: a "Normal" break, typically for 10 minutes every hour, so you can move about and relax, plus a "Micro" break: a very brief pause of typically 15 seconds every 15 minutes, so you can remember not to tense up too much for long periods. You can change, disable or remove either kind of break if desired, and add new kinds of breaks, e.g. fixed lunch or afternoon breaks.

You can configure how long each kind of break lasts, and how long between breaks, and the breaks can be set to count backwards when you take a natural break, e.g. when you go away from your computer.

The app features customizable break themes, with several variations to show during breaks. These themes can be edited if desired, using standard HTML.

While in a break, a progress bar shows how long till it is over, and buttons are available to postpone or skip the break if you can't be interrupted right then.

What's more, you can optionally perform various actions before, during or after breaks. You can display a notification, play a sound, speak some text, run a script, and more.

What’s New

Version 2.9.7

- Fixed another crash on pre-Sonoma macOS versions. Sorry about that!

Plus more in the recent updates:

- Fixed a different crash on pre-Sonoma macOS versions.
- Fixed the settings window unexpectedly appearing after restarting the Mac, when the Dock icon is hidden.
- Fixed the app launch helper unexpectedly opening Terminal on older macOS versions.
- Fixed misnaming the app in the sidebar when using a "When Open" app exclusion.
- Fixed the "Also skip breaks during focus" exclusion option.
- Fixed a break with a large negative duration when scheduling from the calendar with no more events.
- Fixed the tooltip for the "Ask When to Start" scheduling option.
- When there are multiple displays available, now uses the names of the displays in the menu.
- Fixed the "With Inactive Menubar" option for multiple displays.
- The other displays now fade out and back in correctly.
- Fixed requesting full calendar access when using the calendar exclusion option (need full access to look for matching events).
- Fixed the Skip button appearing when previewing a break if the "end early" option is enabled.
- Fixed the option to alert of another copy of the app.
- Added support for break-specific pause via a URL like `timeout://break/micro/pause/30m`, where `micro` is the break name, and `30m` means pause for 30 minutes.
- Also break-specific resume via a URL like `timeout://break/micro/resume`.
- Fixed using a `timeout://pause` URL without an amount (to pause all breaks indefinitely) possibly crashing.
- Fixed the settings window unexpectedly appearing when using a `timeout://` URL.
- Bonus: added the "Sinclair Trails 2023" theme, with random timelapse clips of driving around the US.

Ratings and Reviews

4.6 out of 5
242 Ratings

242 Ratings

FlipPhinoi ,

The best there is...

I’ve been having neck problems for quite some time now, even gone acupuncture and chiropractic to try to fix my constant slouching since I’m in front of the computer for long periods of time without taking breaks. I downloaded this in hopes of getting reminded that I do need to take a break here and there. So far I believe it has helped me, granted I’ve only had it for a few days. I like the idea that when the notification pops up, it stays on top of all the bazzillion applications I have running which then forces me to take a break for xx seconds or xx minutes depending on how I had the application configured. In certain situations such as when I’m presenting, I can easily postpone the notifications for 5 or 10 minutes - this feature is useful because while it can be disruptive - it also reminds me that I still need to stretch my neck or take a break.

Tip: for those having neck fatigue of pain, when the notification alerts you that a break is needed, don’t just walk away - but actually excercise or stretch your tense muscles - it helps a lot more and keep those bones from crystalizing…

stuckfly ,

Excellent design, simple app

There’s been a lot of recent health research proving that taking frequent breaks is necessary for those who spend significant time in front of a computer. If you neglect or forget to take your eyes off the screen or get up to move around a bit, this app is for you!

I’m super-critical of software design, and I’m impressed with Time Out. It fixes all the things wrong with all the other break timers I’ve tried, plus adds a lot of extra features without cluttering the UI. One of the best things not mentioned in the product description is that there are well written instructions in the app for all the features; there’s no guesswork.

The subscription model is unique. I like it. I’d like to see more of this because it’s a good compromise between the old method where you buy an app and pay for major upgrades at a discount, and the new renewing subscription model that forces you to pay for upgrades whether you want them or not. The free version is ad-free and the app is pretty good without the extras that expire without a subscription. I subscribed. The extras are easily worth the price!

FireFliesinaJar ,

Only thing that has worked to get me to take needed breaks!

I've been trying for years to get into a regular habit of taking breaks while working at the computer. Time Out is the first, well, ANYTHING that has succeeded for me.

I've been plenty motivated in the past -- I've had repetitive stress injuries that sent me to physical therapy for months, and sidelined me from playing tennis. I've read all the literature on improved work effectiveness if you take regular breaks, and when I do sometimes manage, my work is better. As a public health professional, I'm also aware that 'sitting is the new smoking' -- long hours without moving are terrible for one's health.

I have tried making a plan, setting an intention, setting a timer -- none of it worked in any regular way. I'm very good at ignoring timers and pushing through. Time Out, however, puts the need for a break literally in my face, ever so gently and kindly, but not to be ignored. The "micro" 15 second break is great because I can shake out my arms, even stand up for a second without losing my train of thought. And the "normal" 10 minute break, which I have set for every hour, reminds me to get up, clear my head, move my body, and come back. It gives me a chance to check in about whether I'm working on the right next task. And a chance to come back to a project with fresher ideas.

Awesome app. Totally love it. Love enough to pay to support it even thought the free version had most of what I needed.

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