Recovery guide
Take a break that restores attention
A useful break changes the kind of demand placed on your attention. Choose what to do based on what became tired during the focus session.
Match the break to the fatigue
| If you notice | Try during the break |
|---|---|
| Tired or dry eyes | Look across the room or outside; leave the screen |
| Physical restlessness | Stand, walk, refill water, or stretch gently |
| Mental looping | Write the unresolved thought, then change location |
| Low energy | Use daylight, movement, water, or a planned snack |
Protect a five-minute break
Avoid opening an infinite feed, inbox, or news page. Those activities have no natural stopping point and introduce new information you will carry into the next focus session. Prepare a short menu—water, window, stretch, or a brief walk—so the break does not require another decision.
Use the long break differently
After several sessions, leave the work area if possible. Eat, walk, or complete a simple physical task. Before returning, decide whether to continue the same goal or start a new one. The default long break is 15 minutes after four focus sessions; adjust it in Settings if four sessions consistently leave you depleted.
If automatic transitions feel too fast
This timer starts the next session automatically. Use the completion sound or browser notification as the cue to return, and pause immediately if you need more recovery. A schedule is a support, not a reason to ignore fatigue or safety.