What is the 20-20-20 rule?
The 20-20-20 rule is a small habit that eye doctors often suggest for long screen sessions:
Looking far away gives the eye muscles that focus up close a short rest, and it's a good moment to blink. The hard part isn't the rule. It's noticing that 20 minutes have passed.
Why a reminder app helps
When you're focused, a quiet notification is easy to dismiss without looking up. Pati and Hav do it differently: when the time is up, your cat or dog walks onto the screen and lies on your keyboard until the 20 seconds are over. You look away because there is nothing else to look at.
Set up 20-20-20 in Pati or Hav
- Install Pati (cat) or Hav (dog) from the Mac App Store or Microsoft Store. Both are free to start.
- Click the paw in the menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows) and open the timer.
- Set work time to 0 h 20 min.
- Set break time to 0 min 20 sec.
- Save. Your pet peeks in 60 seconds before each break, then takes over the screen for 20 seconds.
On a video call or presenting? The meeting shield holds the break and starts it 30 seconds after you're done, so your pet never shows up in front of your team.
What to do in those 20 seconds
- Look out of a window, or at the far wall of the room.
- Blink slowly a few times.
- Roll your shoulders and unclench your jaw.
- Or just pet your cat or dog on the screen and watch the hearts.
BreakPet is a break reminder, not a medical device. If your eyes keep hurting, feel dry or your vision changes, talk to an eye doctor.
Questions
Can I use a longer break every few hours too?
BreakPet runs one rhythm at a time. Many people use 20 minutes / 20 seconds during focused work and switch to something like 50 minutes / 5 minutes on other days. Changing it takes a few seconds.
Is 20 seconds long enough for the app to be useful?
Yes. The shortest break you can set is 10 seconds, so 20 seconds works fine. Your pet arrives, lies on your keyboard and leaves when the time is up.
Does it work on Windows?
Yes. Pati and Hav are available for Mac and Windows with the same timer settings.
What does it cost?
The apps are free with three pets and the special-day guests. Extra pets come in optional one-time packs. There is no subscription.