1) Install & launch
- Run bsrp_setup.exe and follow the installer.
- Launch Big Stretch Reminder from the installer or the Start Menu.
- The settings window opens automatically on first run.
2) Timer tab — when breaks happen
Break interval
- Controls how often reminders occur.
- Typical values range from 20–60 minutes.
Minimum break length
- Defines the minimum amount of time that counts as a real break.
- Time spent away (idle, locked, or asleep) must usually meet this minimum to be treated as a meaningful break.
- If you use Timed break, this value also determines the break timer length.
Tip: If the app feels like it “resets too easily” or “never gives me credit for being away”, this setting is often the cause.
3) Display tab — how reminders appear
Display options control how visible and intrusive reminders are.
Timed break
- Shows a focused break screen.
- Temporarily interrupts your workflow.
- Encourages stepping away or stretching.
- Uses your Minimum break length as the timer duration.
Notification
- Non-intrusive reminder.
- Displays a tip using a familiar Windows notification style.
Popup
- Center-screen reminder.
- More noticeable than a notification.
- Informational only and simple by design.
Taskbar flash
- Flashes the taskbar icon to draw attention.
- The least intrusive reminder style.
Escalation
- Optional behaviour that increases reminder strength.
- Designed to help when breaks are not being taken naturally.
- Escalation is gradual and reversible.
How escalation behaves
- Reminder intrusiveness increases when breaks are missed.
- Begins with notification-style reminders and progresses to timed breaks.
- Completing a timed break reduces intrusiveness.
- This approach encourages healthy habits without being permanently disruptive.
Adaptive break behaviour
- Reminders may be paused while you are away.
- The timer may reset when you return.
- Support can increase during long periods of continuous work.
All of these behaviours are enabled by default and can be adjusted in the Advanced tab.
4) Messages tab — what the reminder says
- Break messages: general non-medical guidance for RSI prevention.
- Famous quotes: motivational or reflective messages.
- Custom messages: your own personalised text.
- Drag and drop lines of text into the custom messages list.
5) Sounds tab — audible alerts
- Choose from built-in sounds or provide your own audio files.
- Common formats such as WAV and MP3 are supported.
- Sounds are optional and can also play at the end of a timed break.
6) Advanced tab — fine-tuning behaviour
Advanced settings affect reminder behaviour across all modes.
Wait for user to start timed break
The timed break countdown does not begin until you press a button.
Wait for user to end timed break
The break screen remains visible until you confirm the break has ended.
Increase reminder frequency during periods of heavy usage
During intense work periods, break intervals may be reduced by up to two-thirds of your set interval.
Disable desktop when using intrusive reminders
Temporarily prevents desktop interaction during intrusive reminder modes.
Skip reminders when in full screen mode
Prevents reminders from appearing over full-screen applications.
Skip reminders while you're away
Suppresses reminders when no user activity is detected.
Reset timer if you're away for your minimum break length
Treats time away as a natural break and resets the timer.
Whether time away counts as a real break depends on your Minimum break length.
7) Multiple monitors
Choose which monitor reminders appear on.
Choose your reminder monitor
- Reminders appear on the same monitor as the Settings window.
- Drag the Settings window to a different display to change where reminders appear.
8) Uninstall
- Open Windows Settings → Apps → Installed apps.
- Select Big Stretch Reminder and choose Uninstall.