Break Timer
Time your break so you come back on time. Need an idea? Ask for a break activity.
Keyboard: Space to start or pause, R to reset, F for full screen. The alarm plays while this page stays open in a browser tab.
How to use the break timer
This break timer counts down your break and plays a "back to work" alarm when it ends, so a quick pause doesn't turn into a lost afternoon. Pick a 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minute preset, press Start, and step away from the screen.
- Choose a preset: 5, 10, 15, 20 or 30 minutes.
- Not sure what to do? Press Suggest a break activity for an idea such as stretching, getting water, a short walk, the 20-20-20 eye rule or a breathing exercise.
- Press Start (or the Space bar) and leave your desk.
- When the alarm rings, your break is over. Press R to reset it for next time.
The remaining time shows in the browser tab title, so you can glance at it without switching tabs. Your last preset and alarm sound are remembered on your device.
Why time the break, not just the work
Most productivity timers watch your focus time and leave the break open-ended. That's where the day slips: "five minutes" of scrolling becomes twenty. A work break timer puts an end on the break itself, so you can rest properly without guilt and still come back when you planned to.
It also helps you actually take breaks. When you know the timer will call you back, it's easier to stand up in the middle of a task instead of pushing through until you're drained.
Which break length should you pick?
| Preset | Good for |
|---|---|
| 5 minutes | A reset between focus blocks: refill your water, stretch, rest your eyes. |
| 10 minutes | A walk to the end of the hall or around the block, a quick snack, or a break after a 50-minute study block. |
| 15 minutes | A classic mid-morning or mid-afternoon coffee break, or the longer break after several Pomodoros. |
| 20 minutes | A fuller reset: a walk outside, a phone call, or a short nap if you're very tired. |
| 30 minutes | A lunch break or a proper rest after a long stretch of deep work. |
A 5 minute break timer works well between short sessions, while a 15 minute break timer suits a longer pause after an hour or two of work. If you need a quick 10 minute break, the 10 minute preset is one tap away.
Break ideas that actually refresh you
- Look away from the screen. The 20-20-20 rule, widely recommended by eye-care professionals, says every 20 minutes you should look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds. A break is a good moment to do it for longer.
- Stand up and stretch. Roll your shoulders, stretch your neck and wrists, and straighten your back after sitting.
- Drink water. Walking to refill a glass gets you moving and away from your desk.
- Take a short walk. Even a few minutes outside or down the hallway breaks the sitting streak.
- Breathe slowly. A few slow breaths in and out can help you settle before the next block of work.
Try to avoid spending the whole break on your phone. Scrolling keeps your eyes on a screen and often makes it harder to switch back into focus.
Pair it with a focus timer
The break timer works on its own, but it fits naturally with a work cycle. Use the Pomodoro timer for 25-minute focus sessions with short breaks, or try the 50/10 timer or 52/17 timer if you prefer longer focus blocks. Those timers already include a break phase; this page is for when you want a standalone break with ideas and a firm end.
Good to know
The timer keeps accurate time against your system clock, even if the tab is in the background. The alarm only plays while the page is open in a browser tab, so don't close it during your break. On iPhone and iPad you may need to tap the page once before sounds can play. You can mute the alarm or choose another sound, such as Bell or Success.
FAQ
How long should a work break be?
There's no single right answer. Many people take a 5 to 10 minute break after a focus block and a longer 15 to 30 minute break every couple of hours. Pick the length that lets you come back refreshed rather than restless.
Will the break timer ring if I walk away from my computer?
Yes, as long as the page stays open and your device isn't muted. Turn your volume up enough to hear it from across the room, or take your phone with the timer open.
Can I set a break length that isn't a preset?
The break timer offers 5, 10, 15, 20 and 30 minutes. For any other length, use the custom countdown timer.