🚀 Getting Started

Quick Setup in 3 Steps

1. Set Your Work Duration: Click the Settings button (⚙️) and choose how long you want to work. Default is 4 hours, but you can set anywhere from 1 minute to 12 hours.
2. Choose Your Break Style: Select from preset configurations (Minimal, Balanced, Comprehensive) or customize which health reminders you want to receive. You can also select a Work Mode to optimize break frequency for your type of work.
3. Start Working: Click the "Start Break Timer" button and focus on your tasks. NatureTimer will notify you when it's time to take healthy breaks with interactive break activities!

✨ Key Features

🎭 Interactive Break Activities NEW

NatureTimer now features an interactive break modal that guides you through each break with specific instructions, timers, and helpful tips!

How Break Activities Work

1. Break Notification: When it's time for a break, you'll receive a notification and see a beautiful modal with the break type and instructions.
2. Start Break Timer: Click "Start Break" to begin a countdown timer specifically for that break activity. The timer shows how long you should take for optimal health benefits.
3. Follow Instructions: Each break includes specific guidance (e.g., "Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds") plus randomized tips to make breaks more effective.
4. Complete or Skip: You can complete the full break timer, pause it, or skip if you're in a critical moment. Your choice!

Types of Break Activities

👁️ Eye Rest Break (20 seconds)

Follow the famous 20-20-20 rule: Look at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds to prevent digital eye strain.

• Timer: 20 seconds
• Tips: Look out a window, blink slowly, focus on distant objects
• Frequency: Every 20 minutes

💧 Hydration & Posture Check (30 seconds)

Drink water and check your ergonomic setup to prevent dehydration and posture-related issues.

• Timer: 30 seconds
• Tips: Drink 8oz of water, adjust screen height, check back posture
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes

🏃 Movement Break (2 minutes)

Stand up and move to improve circulation and prevent muscle stiffness.

• Timer: 2 minutes
• Tips: Roll shoulders, stretch neck, do 10 squats, walk around
• Frequency: Every 45 minutes

🌬️ Deep Breathing Break (1 minute)

Practice deep breathing to reduce stress and refresh your mind.

• Timer: 1 minute
• Tips: Inhale through nose, hold briefly, exhale slowly through mouth
• Technique: Inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 6
• Frequency: Every 60 minutes

⏰ Extended Break (5 minutes)

Take a longer break to fully disconnect from work.

• Timer: 5 minutes
• Tips: Walk outside, light stretching, healthy snack
• Frequency: Every 90 minutes

❤️ Gratitude & Mindfulness (45 seconds)

Practice gratitude for mental wellbeing and positive mindset.

• Timer: 45 seconds
• Tips: Think of people who matter, appreciate beauty, acknowledge progress
• Frequency: Every 4 hours (optional)

💼 Work Modes NEW

Work Modes automatically adjust break frequency based on your type of work. This ensures you get the right reminders at the right time without interrupting your flow!

Available Work Modes

🖥️ Default Mode (1x frequency)

Best for: Balanced workdays with mixed tasks

• Standard reminder intervals
• Eye breaks every 20 minutes
• Movement breaks every 45 minutes
• Perfect for general office work

👁️ Screen-Heavy Mode (0.75x frequency = MORE breaks)

Best for: Design work, coding, data analysis, video editing

• 25% more frequent breaks
• Extra emphasis on eye rest and movement
• Eye breaks every 15 minutes
• Movement breaks every 34 minutes
• Prevents screen fatigue and RSI

📞 Meeting-Heavy Mode (1.5x frequency = FEWER breaks)

Best for: Days with back-to-back meetings, calls, presentations

• 50% less frequent breaks
• Focus on hydration reminders
• Won't interrupt important conversations
• Eye breaks every 30 minutes
• Movement breaks every 68 minutes

🎨 Creative Focus Mode (1.25x frequency = Fewer interruptions)

Best for: Writing, design, creative problem-solving, deep work

• 25% less frequent breaks
• Emphasis on breathing and mindfulness
• Maintains flow state
• Eye breaks every 25 minutes
• Movement breaks every 56 minutes

How to Change Work Mode

1. Open Settings (⚙️ button)
2. Find the "Work Mode" dropdown
3. Select the mode that matches your work type
4. Save settings
5. Start your timer - breaks will automatically adjust!

⚙️ Settings Guide

Session Duration

Set how long you want to work before completing a session:

• Hours: 0-12 hours
• Minutes: 0-59 minutes

Examples:

• For a 90-minute focused session: Set 1 hour and 30 minutes
• For a full workday: Set 8 hours
• For a Pomodoro: Set 25 minutes

Break Reminder Presets

Choose a preset configuration or customize your own:

🔹 Minimal Preset

• Eye rest only
• Best for: Short sessions, beginners

🔹 Balanced Preset (Recommended)

• Eye rest, hydration, movement, breathing
• Best for: Most users, full workdays

🔹 Comprehensive Preset

• All reminders including extended breaks and gratitude
• Best for: Long sessions, maximum health benefits

🔹 Custom

• Manually select which reminders you want
• Best for: Specific needs, advanced users

Notification Sounds

Choose how you want to be alerted for breaks:

• 🔔 Gentle Bell: Soft, pleasant chime (most popular)
• 🎵 Tap: Subtle click sound
• 🌊 Yo!: Friendly vocal reminder
• 🔇 Silent: Visual notifications only (browser notifications still work)

Tip: Use the "Preview" button to test sounds before saving!

Custom Reminders

Create personalized reminders for your specific needs:

1. Click "Add Custom Reminder" in settings
2. Enter your reminder message (e.g., "Take medication", "Call client", "Stretch lower back")
3. Set the interval in minutes (1-1440 = 1 day)
4. Save your settings

Ideas for custom reminders:

• Medication schedules
• Meeting prep reminders
• Specific exercise routines
• Meal times
• Client check-ins

💡 Understanding Break Reminders

The Science Behind Break Timing

NatureTimer's reminder intervals are based on scientific research about human health and productivity:

👁️ 20-20-20 Rule (Every 20 minutes)

Why this matters: The American Optometric Association recommends this to prevent Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), which affects 68% of computer workers.

• Prevents eye strain and dry eyes
• Reduces headaches
• Improves focus after the break
• Action: Look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds

💧 Hydration (Every 30 minutes)

Why this matters: Even 2% dehydration can reduce cognitive performance by up to 10%.

• Maintains energy levels
• Improves concentration
• Supports physical health
• Action: Drink water and check your posture

🏃 Movement (Every 45 minutes)

Why this matters: Prolonged sitting increases risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and musculoskeletal problems.

• Improves blood circulation
• Prevents muscle stiffness
• Reduces RSI risk
• Boosts energy and mood
• Action: Stand up, stretch, or do light exercises

🌬️ Breathing (Every 60 minutes)

Why this matters: Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones.

• Reduces stress and anxiety
• Improves oxygen flow to the brain
• Enhances focus and clarity
• Action: Take 5 deep breaths (4-4-6 pattern)

⏰ Extended Break (Every 90 minutes)

Why this matters: Aligns with your natural ultradian rhythm - your body's 90-minute energy cycle.

• Prevents mental fatigue
• Restores peak performance
• Improves creativity
• Action: Take a 5-15 minute break away from your workspace

❤️ Gratitude (Every 4 hours - Optional)

Why this matters: Gratitude practice is linked to improved mental health, better sleep, and increased happiness.

• Improves mood and motivation
• Reduces work-related stress
• Enhances overall wellbeing
• Action: Reflect on 3 things you're grateful for

🎯 Pro Tips for Maximum Productivity

Best Practices

• Keep the tab open: For the most accurate timing and to receive break notifications, keep NatureTimer open in a browser tab. Pin it for easy access!
• Enable browser notifications: Allow notifications when prompted so you get break reminders even when working in other apps.
• Start small: Begin with shorter work sessions (1-2 hours) and the Balanced preset. Gradually increase duration as you build focus stamina.
• Honor the breaks: When a break modal appears, actually take the break! Complete the full timer for maximum benefit.
• Use Work Modes strategically: Switch modes throughout the day based on what you're doing (screen work, meetings, creative tasks).
• Customize for your needs: Everyone works differently. Adjust reminder intervals and types to match your personal rhythm and health needs.
• Track your progress: Watch your session count and total focus time grow. Celebrate milestones!
• Share your success: Use the social sharing feature to inspire colleagues and hold yourself accountable.

Power User Strategies

🍅 Pomodoro + NatureTimer

Combine the Pomodoro Technique with health breaks:

• Set timer for 25 minutes
• Enable only Eye Rest (every 20 minutes)
• After 4 Pomodoros (2 hours), take extended break
• Switch to Comprehensive preset for longer sessions

📅 Daily Routine

Optimize your entire workday:

• Morning (9-12): Screen-Heavy mode for deep work
• Midday (12-1): Pause timer, take lunch break
• Afternoon (1-3): Meeting-Heavy mode for calls
• Late afternoon (3-5): Creative mode for planning/strategy

🏠 Remote Work Setup

• Use extended breaks to physically leave your workspace
• During movement breaks, go outside if possible
• Use hydration breaks to walk to the kitchen (not just water)
• Enable gratitude reminders for better work-life separation

📱 Mobile Usage

• Add NatureTimer to your phone's home screen
• Use it during video calls on phone
• Perfect for working from cafes or co-working spaces
• Sync settings across devices using the same browser

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• ❌ Skipping all breaks: Defeats the purpose! Take at least the eye breaks.
• ❌ Setting unrealistic durations: Start with 1-2 hours, not 8.
• ❌ Ignoring the break modal: If you see it, do the break!
• ❌ Using wrong work mode: Screen work needs more breaks, not fewer.
• ❌ Closing the browser tab: Timer won't run accurately.
• ✅ Solution: Treat NatureTimer as your "work companion" - always open!

⌨️ Keyboard Shortcuts

Speed up your workflow with these handy shortcuts (work when not typing in input fields):

Keyboard Shortcut	Action	Description
S	Start/Resume Timer	Starts a new timer or resumes a paused one
P	Pause Timer	Pauses the current running timer
R	Reset Timer	Resets timer to initial duration (confirms first)
Esc	Close Dialogs	Closes settings panel or break activity modal
Space or Enter	Start Break	When break modal is open, starts the break timer

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Q: Will the timer work if I close my browser?

A: No, the timer needs the browser tab to remain open. However, it works perfectly in the background if you switch to other tabs or minimize the browser. The timer continues running, and you'll still receive notifications.

Q: Can I use NatureTimer offline?

A: Once initially loaded, NatureTimer works offline for the current session thanks to the service worker. However, you need an internet connection to first load the app. After that, it's fully functional offline!

Q: Is my data saved?

A: Yes! Your settings, statistics, and session progress are saved locally in your browser using localStorage. No data is sent to any server, ensuring complete privacy. Your data stays on your device.

Q: Can I use NatureTimer on my phone?

A: Absolutely! NatureTimer is fully responsive and works great on phones and tablets. Add it to your home screen for quick access: tap the Share button and select "Add to Home Screen" (iOS) or use "Add to Home screen" from the browser menu (Android).

Break-Related Questions

Q: How does the break activities modal work?

A: When it's time for a break, a modal pops up with specific instructions and a timer for that break type. Click "Start Break" to begin the countdown, follow the instructions, and the modal celebrates when you complete it. You can also pause, skip, or close it if needed.

Q: Can I skip breaks if I'm in the middle of something?

A: Yes! Each break modal has a "Skip Break" button. However, we encourage you to take breaks whenever possible - even 20 seconds for eye rest makes a huge difference. The timer keeps running whether you take the break or not.

Q: What if I want breaks more or less frequently?

A: Use Work Modes! Screen-Heavy mode gives you 25% more breaks, while Meeting-Heavy mode reduces breaks by 50%. You can also create custom reminders with any interval you prefer.

Q: Do I need to take ALL types of breaks?

A: No! Use preset configurations or customize which reminders you want. Many users start with just Eye Rest (Minimal preset) and add more as they get comfortable. Listen to your body and choose what works for you.

Technical Questions

Q: How do I enable browser notifications?

A: When you first start a timer, your browser will ask for permission to send notifications. Click "Allow" to enable them. If you missed it, look for a notification icon in your browser's address bar. You can also change notification settings in your browser preferences later.

Q: The timer seems inaccurate. What should I do?

A: Make sure to:

• Keep the browser tab open (it can be in the background)
• Keep your computer awake - some systems pause timers in sleep mode
• Use a modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)
• Check that browser isn't in "battery saver" or "performance" mode that throttles tabs

Q: Can I export my session data?

A: Currently, you can view your session count and total focus time on the homepage. Data export features are planned for a future update. Your data is always accessible in your browser's localStorage.

Q: Which browsers are supported?

A: NatureTimer works on all modern browsers:

• ✅ Chrome/Edge (Recommended)
• ✅ Firefox
• ✅ Safari (Desktop & iOS)
• ✅ Opera
• ✅ Samsung Internet
• ⚠️ Internet Explorer (Not recommended, may have issues)

Work Mode Questions

Q: What's the difference between work modes?

A:

• Default (1x): Standard intervals for balanced work
• Screen-Heavy (0.75x): 25% MORE frequent breaks for intense screen work
• Meeting-Heavy (1.5x): 50% LESS frequent breaks to avoid interrupting calls
• Creative (1.25x): 25% less frequent to maintain flow state

Q: Can I switch work modes during a session?

A: Yes! You can change work modes anytime in settings. The new intervals will apply to future breaks, but the timer continues running without interruption.

Settings & Customization

Q: How many custom reminders can I add?

A: As many as you need! There's no limit. However, we recommend keeping it reasonable (5-10 max) to avoid reminder overload.

Q: Can I have different settings for different projects?

A: Currently, settings are saved per browser. You can use different browsers or browser profiles for different settings, or manually change settings between projects. A "profiles" feature is being considered for the future.

Q: What happens if I forget to save settings?

A: NatureTimer will warn you before starting the timer if you have unsaved changes. The "Save Settings" button turns green when you have unsaved changes as a visual reminder.

Privacy & Security

Q: Do you track or collect my data?

A: We use Google Analytics to understand basic usage patterns (page views, features used) but no personally identifiable information is collected. Your timer sessions, break preferences, and statistics stay completely private on your device. We can't see your data - it's yours!

Q: Is NatureTimer safe to use at work?

A: Yes! NatureTimer is a productivity and health tool. It doesn't collect sensitive data, doesn't install anything on your computer, and doesn't require any permissions beyond browser notifications. Many companies encourage break timers for employee health.

Troubleshooting

Q: The break modal isn't appearing. Why?

A: Check that:

• JavaScript is enabled in your browser
• You've selected at least one reminder type in settings
• Your timer is actually running (check if it's paused)
• Your browser isn't blocking popups (NatureTimer uses modals, not popups, but check just in case)

Q: Sounds aren't playing. How do I fix this?

A: Try these solutions:

• Check your device volume isn't muted
• Check browser sound settings (some browsers have per-site audio controls)
• Try a different sound in settings - some devices have issues with certain audio formats
• Make sure you haven't selected "Silent" mode in settings
• Some browsers require user interaction before playing audio - click anywhere on the page once

Q: I lost my data. Can I recover it?

A: Unfortunately, if you cleared your browser data (cookies/localStorage), the data is gone. To prevent this:

• Don't clear site data for naturetimer.com
• Don't use incognito/private mode for serious sessions
• Consider taking screenshots of your stats periodically