Don’t you find time passes so quickly as you click away on your computer?  I sometimes found myself looking up and hours had passed, hours – especially if the kids were not at home, when they are home that never happens.

I need to make sure I take a break every hour at least.  I got a kitchen timer from the dollar store and that was working well – kind of  noisy – tick, tock – but it did the job.  Problem is, I have one child who is a “gotta pick it up and touch it, whatever it is” type of kid.  When he is allowed in my office to use the computer, anything within his reach is fair game.  He touches it, feels it, rolls it in his fingers and inevitably he takes it with him wherever that may be.

After too many searches for the timer I decided there must be a computerized way to tell me to take a break – I am a Virtual Assistant and using the computer is what I do -  there must be a product out there that can do the same job for me  as my timer – but one where it can’t be carried away by my son.

I found several types of break reminder programs online, some have free trial versions, then you pay a nominal fee and some are freeware.  Checking reviews, I found one to try out – QuickPause.  So far it has worked really well – I can set it to my requirements and I really try to follow its lead and take that break. Breaks that so many studies say is necessary for people who work on computers daily. Your wrists, fingers, eyes, back, legs, neck and more can all be affected by not taking a break.

I have it set for a 15 second micro pause every 20 minutes – to get a wrist and eye break – and a 10 minute rest break every hour.  It also can track the amount of time I actually use my keyboard, which is eye opening to see.

Having a timer go off on a regular basis, I find makes me realize how much time I spend on certain tasks – especially when I am not doing something for a client and have my time tracking program running.

Whether you choose a noisy timer, an egg timer, a sand timer or a  timer program – pick one that works for you and listen to the reminders – take your break – your body and mind will thank you in the long run.

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