What is DeskRest?
DeskRest is an intelligent break reminder app for macOS that helps you reduce screen fatigue, promote healthy posture, and improve your work-life balance through gentle, unobtrusive reminders.
Who is DeskRest for?
DeskRest is designed for:
- Anyone who spends long hours in front of a screen. Whether in the office, working from home, or studying.
- People looking to relieve eye strain and reduce digital eye fatigue to prevent headaches and tiredness
- Those wanting to improve their posture and prevent tension to avoid neck, shoulder, and back pain
- Anyone seeking to enhance their work-life balance and establish healthier screen habits at work through regular breaks
- Professionals aiming to boost productivity by consciously incorporating short recovery breaks into their work routine
What makes DeskRest special?
DeskRest goes beyond traditional break timers:
- Short (e.g., 20 sec.) and long breaks (e.g., 3 min.), fully customizable to match your workflow.
- Intelligent pause detection: Breaks only appear when you're actually at your computer.
- Visual motivation through streak tracking: Turn breaks into habits with motivating progress displays.
- Cursor timer & targeted notifications that gently guide your attention without disrupting your flow.
- Break personalization: Themes, audio cues, shortcuts, automations, and more – DeskRest adapts to your style.
Key DeskRest Features at a Glance
Intelligent Break Reminders for Optimal Work-Life Balance
Fully customizable break intervals: Short breaks for eye relief, long breaks for physical recovery – perfectly aligned with your work rhythm.
Smart Detection Technology
The app automatically recognizes when you shouldn't be disturbed. Whether it's YouTube videos, learning presentations, Zoom meetings, or activated Focus modes – DeskRest pauses intelligently and never interrupts at the wrong time.
Pre-Break and End-of-Day Notifications
Gentle notifications alert you to upcoming breaks. You control the timing, display duration, and visibility. Skip and delay functions give you complete control over your workflow.
Native macOS Integration
Menu bar countdown with live display of remaining work time and system-wide integration.
Discreet Cursor Display
Subtle countdown display right at your cursor - shows remaining work time without workflow interruption.
Posture Reminders
Gentle posture alerts help you maintain healthy body alignment during work and actively prevent back problems and tension.
Personalized Exercises
Create your own break exercises and assign them to short or long breaks. For customized recovery periods tailored to your needs.
Intelligent Inactivity Detection
DeskRest is only active when you need it. Smart pause detection during inactivity automatically pauses the timer and resets it after extended absence. This seamlessly integrates your wellness routine into your daily life without requiring conscious thought.
Clock Out Lock
Define fixed working hours and get automatically reminded to shut down your computer at a specific time. Creates clear boundaries between work and personal time.
Streak Tracking and Statistics
Track your break habits with motivating progress displays and a clear activity calendar. See at a glance how consistently you're taking breaks, and let your longest success streak motivate you to establish healthy habits permanently.
Complete Customizability
The app adapts to you, not the other way around. Configure focus times, break lengths, working hours, clock-out locks, and individual exercises precisely to your needs. DeskRest becomes your personalized wellness assistant that seamlessly fits into your work rhythm.