I want to remember to drink water while I work. I also want to notice when my head and neck start creeping forward toward the screen.
But I care about the time when I’m following an idea, too. A scheduled reminder can go off just as I’m getting somewhere. I either dismiss it in frustration, or take a sip and lose the thread of what I was doing.
After trying a few ways to remind myself, I realized I’d rather look back later. Keep a record when I drink, stretch, or change position. Give me time to think about it once I’m ready to stop.
Seeing habits in the context of my work
That’s something I’ve kept in mind while building Peilo.
Since using it, I’ve been looking back at records related to drinking and head and neck position, alongside how that stretch of work felt. Sometimes I look at the record, think back, and realize I really didn’t have any water during those two hours in the afternoon.
It’s made me more conscious of my habits. I can think about having more water, or adjusting my chair or screen, once I reach a natural stopping point.
Not every movement needs to become a box to tick
I care more about the whole stretch of time: how the work went, whether I was comfortable, and whether I took care of myself.
The record gives me something to reflect on, but I bring my memories to it as well. An action can still have happened even if it wasn’t recorded. And an observation makes more sense when I put it in context.
That way, I’m not fixated on a number. I don’t need to check off an achievement every time I take a sip.
Small changes, at my own pace
What I do after looking back is up to me. I can start with a small change I’m willing to make, then see how it fits into my day.
For me, Peilo helps me pay a little more attention to my habits. I want room to follow my thoughts while I work, and room to take care of myself afterward.
See how the phone app records everyday moments, or read the guide, or see how Peilo handles your records. You can also join the early access list and share your experience with us.