TotalPause
A Smart Break Reminder for Better Health and Productivity!
Prevents RSI (eye strain, back pain, etc.) and promotes mindfulness.
Smart Breaks
Intuitive and adaptive break prompts based on your activity level, delivered naturally — no rigid, fixed timers.
Minimally Disruptive
Striving to be as unobtrusive as possible with minimal interaction required. TotalPause appears less frequently as your work habits improve.
Auto Focus Mode
Quick access to Do-Not-Disturb mode, supercharged with intelligent detection of apps, videos, meetings, and games automatically.
Full-screen Prompt
Informative full-screen prompts with a click-only close method — slightly challenging but highly efficient in encouraging breaks.
Prompt Customization
Customize prompt texts and integrate calming visual effects like breathing exercises to enhance relaxation and mindfulness during breaks.
Activity Statistics
Get an overview of your performance and see how effectively TotalPause is working to support your breaks and productivity.
Multiple Screen Support
Ensures full coverage across all screens, so nothing slips through during breaks — no tricks to bypass TotalPause :).
macOS Native
A lightweight native macOS app with a small package size and minimal resource usage for efficient performance.
Privacy First
All data stays securely on your device. An optional transparent background offers privacy without drawing attention from your surroundings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets TotalPause apart from others?
TotalPause is specifically designed to notify you based on your activity level, not on a fixed timer schedule. It requires minimal user interaction and strives to be minimally disruptive. (It becomes less frequent as your work habits improve, especially with features like 'Auto-Dismiss Prompts'. This reflects the philosophy behind TotalPause and precisely what it aims to achieve.)
TotalPause also offers simple methods for practicing breathing exercises and more during the break, enhancing focus and promoting mindfulness.
If you're interested, there is a blog post about why and how it was built: Reminding Myself to Take a Break - The Hard Way
Does TotalPause support Do-Not-Disturb mode?
Yes, TotalPause resides in your menu bar, enabling this feature is straightforward.
Additionally, TotalPause offers advanced detection features for applications, videos, meetings, and games, designed to intelligently prevent interruptions during active screen use.
Why full-screen prompts? Can I add more customized fancy stuff to the prompt?
Normal notifications are often not strong enough. Full-screen prompts with a click-only close method introduce a slight challenge. While it may be annoying, it is efficient because it creates a buffer, making you aware of your working time and allowing for a quick internal debate, leading to a well-deserved break.
TotalPause strives to be minimally disruptive and aims to eliminate the downsides of full-screen prompts through technical implementations such as auto-focus mode, activity analysis, and other advanced features.
If an app or window involves important, uninterruptible tasks, you can mark them as privileged or enable auto-detection using TotalPause’s advanced auto-focus mode. However, TotalPause undoubtedly has its limitations. You can also prioritize your tasks to manage your workload better.
If you are concerned about the full-screen prompts drawing attention from your surroundings, you can use the transparent background.
The full-screen prompt is already a hard tradeoff. Adding more attention-grabbing elements might be visually appealing but could also bring side effects that disturb and decrease focus.
Does TotalPause collect any user data?
TotalPause might utilize screen recording for advanced features during runtime, but none of this data is stored or leaves your Mac. All your other data remains securely on your local computer, and payment information is securely managed by Apple.
How can I reach out for help or share my feedback?
We value your feedback, please send them with us through this email.
Get It Now
No disruptions, just better living and productivity! Just one click away: TotalPause on the Mac App Store (weblink)