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Health Notifications
The Simple Coding Time Tracker includes a comprehensive health notification system designed to promote healthy coding habits and prevent strain-related issues. This guide covers all aspects of the health notification features.
The health notification system provides intelligent reminders to help you maintain good health while coding:
- Eye Rest Reminders: Follow the 20-20-20 rule to prevent eye strain
- Stretch Reminders: Regular prompts to move and stretch
- Break Suggestions: Longer break recommendations for sustained coding sessions
- Smart Timing: Based on actual coding time, not just VS Code being open
- One-Click Pause: Easily pause tracking when taking breaks
Default Interval: Every 20 minutes
Type: Warning-level modal notification
Purpose: Prevent eye strain and fatigue
Message Format:
👁️ EYE HEALTH REMINDER: Look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds (20-20-20 rule)
[Pause Timer] [Got it!]
Benefits:
- Reduces digital eye strain
- Prevents dry eyes
- Improves focus and clarity
- Follows established medical guidelines (20-20-20 rule)
Default Interval: Every 45 minutes
Type: Warning-level modal notification
Purpose: Prevent repetitive strain injuries
Message Format:
🧘 STRETCH REMINDER: Stand up and stretch your back and neck - Your body needs it!
[Pause Timer] [Will do!]
Benefits:
- Prevents muscle stiffness
- Improves posture
- Reduces risk of repetitive strain injuries
- Increases blood circulation
Default Threshold: After 2+ hours of continuous coding
Type: Error-level modal notification
Purpose: Enforce mandatory health breaks
Message Format:
🚨 HEALTH BREAK REQUIRED: You've been coding for 2+ hours! Take a break now for your health.
[Pause Timer] [Quick stretch (5 min)] [Eye rest (10 min)] [Coffee break (15 min)] [Proper break (20 min)]
Break Options:
- Quick stretch (5 minutes): Brief movement break
- Eye rest (10 minutes): Focus on distant objects
- Coffee break (15 minutes): Social or refreshment break
- Proper break (20 minutes): Complete mental and physical rest
- Open VS Code Settings (
Ctrl+,orCmd+,) - Search for "Simple Coding Time Tracker"
- Locate the health-related settings
| Setting | Default | Description |
|---|---|---|
simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.enableNotifications |
true |
Master switch for all health notifications |
simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.eyeRestInterval |
20 |
Eye rest reminder interval (minutes) |
simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.stretchInterval |
45 |
Stretch reminder interval (minutes) |
simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.breakThreshold |
120 |
Break suggestion threshold (minutes) |
simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.modalNotifications |
true |
Enable modal behavior (blocks UI until dismissed) |
For Frequent Breaks (High-intensity work):
{
"simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.eyeRestInterval": 15,
"simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.stretchInterval": 30,
"simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.breakThreshold": 90
}For Longer Focus Sessions (Deep work):
{
"simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.eyeRestInterval": 30,
"simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.stretchInterval": 60,
"simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.breakThreshold": 180
}For Non-Intrusive Mode (Disable modals):
{
"simpleCodingTimeTracker.health.modalNotifications": false
}Command: SCTT: Toggle Health Notifications
Access: Command Palette (Ctrl+Shift+P or Cmd+Shift+P)
Usage: Quickly enable/disable all health notifications
When to Use:
- During presentations or screen sharing
- When in deep focus mode temporarily
- During pair programming sessions
- When notifications are disruptive
-
Activity-Based Tracking
- Notifications are based on actual coding time
- Paused when VS Code is inactive
- Resumes automatically when you start coding again
-
Independent Timers
- Each notification type has its own timer
- Eye rest and stretch reminders run independently
- Break notifications override other timers
-
Automatic Reset
- Taking a suggested break resets relevant timers
- Manual pause/resume maintains timer state
- Daily reset at midnight
When Modal is Enabled (default):
- Notifications block the VS Code UI
- Must be manually dismissed
- Time tracking automatically pauses
- Ensures notifications are not missed
When Modal is Disabled:
- Notifications appear as standard VS Code notifications
- Auto-dismiss after a few seconds
- Time tracking continues normally
- Less intrusive but easier to miss
- Automatic Pause: Clicking "Pause Timer" immediately stops time tracking
- Automatic Resume: Time tracking resumes when you start typing again
- Break Acknowledgment: Selecting a break option pauses tracking for the specified duration
- Seamless Operation: No interference with normal time tracking functionality
The health notification system is based on established ergonomic and medical guidelines:
20-20-20 Rule (American Optometric Association):
- Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
- Reduces computer vision syndrome
- Prevents eye muscle fatigue
Movement Breaks (Occupational Health Guidelines):
- Regular movement prevents musculoskeletal disorders
- Reduces risk of repetitive strain injuries
- Improves circulation and mental alertness
Extended Break Periods (Productivity Research):
- Longer breaks improve sustained attention
- Prevent mental fatigue and burnout
- Enhance overall work quality
Short-term Benefits:
- Reduced eye strain and dry eyes
- Less muscle tension and stiffness
- Improved alertness and focus
- Better posture awareness
Long-term Benefits:
- Prevention of repetitive strain injuries
- Reduced risk of computer vision syndrome
- Better overall physical health
- Improved work-life balance
Notifications Not Appearing:
- Check if health notifications are enabled in settings
- Verify that you're actively coding (timer must be running)
- Ensure modal notifications aren't disabled system-wide
Notifications Too Frequent:
- Increase interval settings in VS Code settings
- Consider using non-modal mode for less intrusion
- Use the toggle command to disable temporarily
Timer Not Pausing:
- Ensure you're clicking the "Pause Timer" button
- Check that modal notifications are enabled
- Verify the extension is actively tracking time
Break Options Not Working:
- Ensure you're using break notifications (2+ hour threshold)
- Check that the break threshold setting is configured correctly
- Verify you're selecting break duration buttons
The health notification system is designed to be lightweight:
- Minimal CPU usage for timer management
- No impact on VS Code performance
- Efficient memory usage for notification state
- Start with Defaults: Begin with default settings and adjust based on your workflow
- Gradual Adjustment: Make small changes to intervals rather than dramatic shifts
- Monitor Compliance: Track how often you actually take the suggested breaks
- Customize by Context: Use different settings for different types of work
- Consistency: Try to follow notification suggestions consistently
- Quality Breaks: Use break time for actual rest, not just switching tasks
- Environmental Setup: Ensure your workspace supports healthy practices
- Listen to Your Body: Adjust settings based on how you feel
For Team Leaders:
- Encourage team members to enable health notifications
- Share optimal configuration settings
- Lead by example in taking regular breaks
- Consider team-wide health notification policies
For Individual Contributors:
- Communicate when you're taking health breaks
- Use the toggle command during meetings or focused sessions
- Share your configuration with colleagues
- Advocate for health-conscious development practices
- Time Tracking Guide: Understand how health notifications integrate with time tracking
- Configuration Guide: Complete settings reference
- Ergonomics Resources: OSHA guidelines for workplace ergonomics
- 20-20-20 Rule: American Optometric Association guidance
Next: Explore Test Scenarios or return to the Home page.