How often should you take breaks from the computer?
There's no single magic number, but there's a working range: short breaks every 20–30 minutes, longer ones every 60–90 minutes. The quality of the break matters as much as the frequency.
A simple break rhythm
Micro-pause every 20–30 minutes: 20 seconds looking away from the screen.
Short break every 60–90 minutes: 2–5 minutes to stand up, drink water, stretch neck and wrists.
Longer pause every 2–3 hours: 10–15 minutes to walk a little and change scenery.
What to do during the break
The goal is to change: distance (look away), position (stand, stretch), and intensity (relax your eyes and shoulders).
Scrolling your phone doesn't count — your eyes stay on a close screen. A window, a wall, the ceiling, or any object across the room is the right target.
How Calmo helps
Calmo chains focus blocks with the right kind of breaks. You pick the preset that matches your work (light, standard, focus), and the app handles the timing.
If you need to override, you can snooze a break or add a manual one. All the data stays yours.