Workrave
Workrave is a free application designed to prevent and recover from Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) by encouraging regular breaks and micro-pauses during computer use.
Cost / License
- Free
- Open Source
Application types
EUPlatforms
- Windows
- Linux
- PortableApps.com
Features
Properties
- Lightweight
Features
- Stretching
- Multiple Timers
- Floating windows
- 3D animated exercises
- Reminders
- Portable
- Ad-free
- Reading mode
- Stretches
Tags
- exercise
- occupational-diseases
Workrave News & Activities
Recent activities
- soul1472 liked Workrave
vt-soft added Workrave as alternative to SBR - Simple Break Reminder
Maoholguin added Workrave as alternative to Glance - Prevent Eye Strain
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What is Workrave?
Workrave is a helpful, open-source application that assists users in preventing and recovering from Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) caused by computer usage. The software encourages healthy habits by suggesting regular breaks and micro-pauses, helping to maintain a proper work-life balance and reduce the risk of long-term injuries.
Workrave offers customizable break schedules, allowing you to set up intervals that fit your needs. During breaks, the application provides a variety of exercises and stretches to alleviate strain and promote blood circulation. Additionally, Workrave includes a practical typing tutor to help users improve their typing technique and further reduce the risk of RSIs.
The software features an intuitive user interface, making it easy to set up and monitor your break schedule. Workrave is available for Windows and Linux platforms, ensuring broad compatibility for users across different systems. By incorporating Workrave into your daily routine, you can create a healthier and more sustainable work environment, ultimately leading to increased productivity and overall well-being.
Workrave Videos
Workrave information
Developed by
Rob Caelers, Raymond Penners Licensing
Open Source (GPL-3.0) and Free product.Written in
Alternatives
65 alternatives listedSupported Languages
- English
AlternativeTo Categories
Sport & Health, Office & ProductivityGitHub repository
- 1,710 Stars
- 212 Forks
- 201 Open Issues
- Updated
Comments and Reviews
I tried about 10 apps, and this classic app suits me the best:
It is Open-source and highly configurable. You can blacken out the whole screen and also block keyboard and mouse inputs. I recently discovered 'Reading mode' feature in it which does not consider natural breaks.
Pros: The app offers many options and variables to customize your breaks. If you know you will keep "pausing" your breaks - to your own bad health - you can tell it to put a limit on the number of times you can put off taking a break. The app shows pictures of stretches you can do for stretch breaks - which helps a lot for all the keyboarding and mousing we do. I can tell a difference even with a few stretches a day. Plus: the sheep icon is super cute. The developers have resumed updating the app
Cons: Caveat: These might have changed; I'm not running the most recent version. The look and feel doesn't look modern and sleek for a more business-like impression if I'm screen-sharing or a colleague walks by. The graphics look a little cheesy. The sheep icon is cute but risks giving a frivolous impression. OTOH it makes me smile, which reduces stress!
I use this app all the time, it is simple, yet useful. But it seems abandoned (last update was in 2014), so I give it only 4 stars...
In case anyone is concerned: The app has been updated several times since MSXfan posted. As of today, WorkRave was last updated in March 2021, and the developers have created a new website.
Any plans to port this app on Qt framework?
You can check my Workrave alternative - Resto (see http://just-code.org/applications/resto/). It's not as complex as Workave itself, but it's written entirely in Qt.
I have been using EyeLeo, but it's almost stopped working. Went out to find a replacement. And Workrave is working just fine. Someone below said it was memory hungry. I didn't notice. Only eats 20MB of RAM. It's nothing these days. Don't make me laugh. The design is fine and I like it for now. Will be checking out others to see if there is still something better. Save your eyes. Be no fool.
[Edited by PeterSavin, September 15]
Workrave is too memory hungry for such a simple app.
Its also way too complicated. All you need is something which pops up every 20 mins to remind you to take a break.
Dont waste your time with this - try Eyedefender which is 20 times smaller and is simple to use.