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Staring at a screen for hours damages your eyes, posture, and energy. FocusMe’s Screen Breaks rule forces you to step away at regular intervals.

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Setup

  1. Add a Plan → set the rule mode to Screen Breaks
  2. Screen Breaks always apply to the entire computer (not specific apps)
  3. Configure:
    • Work duration: How long before a break is enforced (e.g., 45 minutes)
    • Break duration: How long the break lasts (e.g., 5 minutes)
  4. Set your schedule (e.g., Weekly Schedule for work hours)
  5. Optionally set a minimum break time — the break cannot be skipped until this time has elapsed, even if skip is allowed
  6. Add protection if you want to prevent skipping breaks

Screen Break plan settings with minimum break time

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What Happens During a Break

Screen break lock screen — a timer shows how long until the break ends

  • Your screen locks temporarily
  • All applications continue running in the background
  • A timer shows how long until the break ends
  • When the break ends, your screen unlocks and everything is exactly as you left it
The 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) is recommended by eye doctors. Use a 20-minute work duration with a very short break.

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Combining with Other Plans

Screen Breaks work independently of other plans. You can run:
  • A social media block (Block, Weekly Schedule)
  • Screen Breaks every 45 minutes (separate plan)
Both run simultaneously without interfering with each other.