Time for a break! These 6 apps guide you to the perfect break moment.

Taking a break works. But how do you get the most out of a break, and what makes it a healthier break moment? Everyone knows that sitting still behind your computer for too long isn't great for you and definitely doesn't help your concentration. Meanwhile, it's common knowledge that too much sitting has become the new smoking.

That's why we're happy to share some concrete tips on break apps that help you and your employees take a timely break at work, and get the most out of it, so you're fully ready to dive back in afterwards.

Intensive computer work without regular breaks can lead to a whole range of complaints, from concentration problems to headaches, neck and back pain and other issues that can eventually turn chronic and increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

That's why it's important to use break moments to bring about awareness and behavioural change within your company culture, so your employees learn to take breaks in the best way and stay mentally and physically well. The ideal break focuses on:

• (dis)connection: use your break to step away from work for a moment and connect with your colleagues.
• movement: stretch your legs, pop into the shop down the street, dash to your car... whatever you do, movement helps you focus fully again once your break is over.
• nutritious snacks: having a nutritious snack with your colleagues means you can dive back in full of energy after your break.

Break apps

A break app can help you take a well-timed, worthwhile break, by reminding you when it's time to do something different for a bit.

Many break apps work using the Pomodoro technique, which means working in focused, productive 25-minute stretches (a "pomodoro"), followed by a short 5-minute break. After doing this four times, your body and mind earn a longer break of 25 minutes.

The great thing about a break app is that you don't need to plan your day manually — the app tells you exactly when it's time to pause.

We've rounded up 6 handy tech tools for you, so you and your employees can take breaks without worry:

• Smartwatch or activity tracker: you can set this up to give you a gentle, discreet nudge when it's time to move and stretch your legs for a bit. You'll also get a little cheer once you've actually moved, and you can track your daily progress visually for extra motivation.
• Rise&Recharge app: this app was developed to reduce employees' sitting time and encourage regular movement, boosting energy levels and productivity.
• Break Timer in Chrome: Chrome, Google's browser, lets you set a "Break Timer" so you get a full-screen message when it's time for a break.
• Tomato-Timer: simple but effective. This flexible, hands-on Pomodoro timer helps you apply the Pomodoro technique. You set the timer and work on your task until you get a signal. Then you take a 5-minute break, and after 4 "pomodoros" you take a longer one.
• PomoDoneApp: this app is ideal for people who already use handy apps to organise their personal and professional lives. It integrates seamlessly with countless time management tools like Trello, Wunderlist and many others. It's also highly customisable.

Smartphone apps: you usually have your smartphone with you anyway. These apps track your activity (or lack of it) right from your pocket and let you know when it's time to get up and move! For Android, for example, there's the SittingTimer.

Or do you prefer old-school?

Of course, there are also old-school ways to encourage regular breaks without an app, like a post-it on your screen reminding yourself to move for a bit. Your calendar reminding you that you've earned a break. Plan a recurring meeting with colleagues that reminds you all to take a break together. You can also link a bit of movement to fixed, recurring team meetings, by taking the stairs to the meeting room together instead of the lift, or booking a meeting room that's a bit further away.

Or how about a good old-fashioned physical timer? A little clock you put on your desk that reminds you, plain and simple, to take a break. It also helps you truly disconnect from all digital distractions, so you can focus on the task you want to finish.

What matters is choosing a solution that fits your company culture, can improve connection between employees, and helps your team stay well and productive. So try to choose what works and fits within your company, and can be adapted to the situation.

Enjoy your break!