I’m using these 7 Linux wellness apps to take better care of myself in 2026

Jack Wallen / Elyse Betters Picaro / ZDNET

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

Wellness is a key part of living your best life.
It’s not always easy to remember to take breaks.
These free, open-source apps help keep stress at bay.

Taking care of your health, wellness, and inner peace is one of the best ways to make it through the day without succumbing to the stress of a busy life. Some days are certainly easier than others, but even on the easy days, you should take care of yourself.

One way to focus on your health is with wellness apps. You might think that Linux doesn’t include such software, but it does. In fact, there are several wellness apps available for Linux, some of which have been around for a long time.

I want to introduce you to my favorite wellness apps designed specifically for the Linux operating system.

Take a deep breath, let it out, and continue reading.

1. Workrave

This app is small but mighty.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Workrave’s USP is about protecting you from repetitive strain injuries (RSIs), which the Cleveland Clinic describes as “damage to your muscles, tendons or nerves caused by repetitive motions and constant use.” About 9% of adults in the US reported an RSI across a three-month test period, according to the most recent data from the National Center for Health Statistics.

This app is used for one main purpose: to remind you to take breaks. In our hectic world, it can be easy to forget that your body needs a rest from repetitive motions (such as typing) that can lead to serious problems later on.

As someone who has suffered through several RSIs, I promise you that breaks are necessary, and Workrave is a great way to ensure you step away. Workrave can be set up to remind you to take micro breaks (30-second pauses every few minutes), rest breaks (10-minute breaks that encourage you to walk around), daily limits (sets a hard limit on total daily computer usage), and smart monitoring…

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