Stretchly

Stretchly is an open-source break time reminder application for desktop computers. It serves as an alternative to proprietary productivity timers and wellness apps by prompting users to take regular intervals of rest to reduce physical and mental strain during long work sessions.

The application is built with Electron and is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It runs primarily in the system tray and triggers reminder windows at set intervals, which often contain suggestions for break activities. Users can install it via official installers, portable versions, or package managers such as Homebrew, Chocolatey, and winget. On macOS, it can be integrated with Alfred workflows or Raycast extensions for easier interaction.

Key features

• Scheduled mini breaks and long breaks with customizable durations
• Pre-break notifications to allow users to prepare for a pause
• Ability to postpone or skip breaks using keyboard shortcuts
• Idle time monitoring that pauses timers when the user is away
• Integration with system Do Not Disturb modes to prevent interruptions
• System theme support including a dedicated dark mode
• Command line interface for interacting with the running instance
• Detailed preferences menu for adjusting break frequency and timing

Stretchly is designed for office workers, developers, and students who spend extended periods at a desk. The software monitors activity levels and automatically pauses reminders if the system detects the user is idle for five minutes, ensuring that breaks are only suggested during active work. For advanced users, the application stores its configuration in a JSON file, allowing for manual edits of settings not exposed in the primary user interface. This architecture allows for a high degree of customization regarding the specific timing and behavior of the reminder windows.

This tool positions itself as a lightweight utility for improving ergonomics and wellness through scheduled downtime.