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


Best Linux desktop wellness apps

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

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. 

Also: The biggest risks lurking inside your at-home DNA and health tests

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 (pauses timers automatically when you leave your computer).

For years, I ignored these types of breaks and wound up with two issues: chronic tendonitis in my right wrist and a ganglion cyst on my thumb. Both conditions were pretty painful at times and would keep me from typing for days. Taking regular breaks has helped to alleviate those issues.

Workrave can be installed from your distribution’s standard repositories and is free to use.

2. CRON-o-Meter

Cronometer

The UI might be outdated, but the app still works great.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

CRON-o-Meter (aka Cronometer) is an app focused on nutrition and health tracking, which provides insights into your diet, exercise, and health. This free app offers comprehensive nutrient tracking, custom food entries, recipes, exercise logs, biometric monitoring of stats like weight, blood pressure, temperature, and detailed reporting. You can also sync between your devices by using third-party services, such as Dropbox.

Also: 7 ways health tech promises to improve your life in 2026

This particular app has morphed into a web-based and mobile app, but the Linux desktop app is still around. The only caveat to using the Linux desktop app is that the UI is outdated. On the desktop, CRON-o-Meter looks like an old-school Java app. Fret not, the app still works well, but if you’d rather opt for a more modern-looking instance, go with the web-based application. Either way, the app is free to use.

On Linux, CRON-o-Meter is free to install from your distribution’s standard repositories.

3. Wger

wger

Wger helps you keep track of your workouts, weight, measurements, and nutrition.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Wger is a free, open-source app aimed at your fitness and nutrition. With this app, you can track workouts, diet plans, and even log your body weight. The software has a well-designed UI that makes it easy to use, and you can even install a Wger server on your LAN, so all your information remains “in-house.”

Also: What you give up when you put on a smartwatch or ring

You can modify the Wger dashboard to include only the widgets you want, such as Trophies, Routines, Weight, Measurements, and Calendar. The Wger function I appreciate is the ability to create workout routines. For example, you might be training for a marathon and need to create a routine so you know exactly what mileage you should achieve each week before the event.

The Nutrition Plan feature, meanwhile, is a handy way to track what you eat, allowing you to monitor energy, protein, carbohydrates, fat, fiber, sodium, and more.

4. Pomodorolm

Pomodorlm

This simple UI makes taking breaks easy.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

The Pomodoro technique is all about time management. Developed by Francesco Cirillo in the 1980s, the technique boosts your focus. The tool reduces the risk of burnout by segmenting work into 25-minute intervals (called Pomodoros, Italian for tomatoes) separated by short breaks. Pomodorolm is a Pomodoro time tracker that keeps you abreast of the time you’ve spent doing tasks. You can set the app to remind you to focus, take short breaks, take long breaks, and even customize the rounds. 

There are custom sounds you can set for each type of break or work session, and you can even rename the different options. For example, instead of Focus, you might use Meditation. There’s also an auto-start feature, built-in themes, a tray icon, an always-on-top option, a mini mode, and even a terminal interface.

Also: How I used Airtable to swap my daily fast-food habit with 5-minute meal planning

If you’re like me, you need to keep track of work sessions and breaks; otherwise, you’ll wind up burned out. Pomodorolm is a great app to help with this concern.

5. Stretchly

Stretchly

You really need to stretch more.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Stretchly is exactly what it sounds like: an app to remind you to stretch. Stretching is good for your muscles, keeping them flexible and healthy, which in turn helps you maintain a range of motion in your joints, according to Harvard Health: “Without it, the muscles shorten and become tight. Then, when you call on the muscles for activity, they are unable to extend all the way. That puts you at risk for joint pain, strains, and muscle damage.”

Stretchly aims to keep that kind of damage at bay. The tool lives in your panel (or system tray) and allows you to set regular mini breaks and long breaks. You can configure how long your breaks last and how often you’re reminded to take them. You can even set a strict mode that prevents you from skipping either mini or long breaks.

Also: Wearables produce huge amounts of health data – and doctors are struggling to keep up

The app can be configured to automatically start at login, which I think is a good idea. You don’t want to start your day forgetting to launch the app that will remind you to take those crucial breaks.

Speaking of which, Stretchly doesn’t glaze over those breaks. When the timer goes off, you need to get out of your chair, stretch, and (when the timer goes off to remind you that the break is over) sit back down.

Over the years, I’ve learned how important stretch breaks are. I take them regularly. What’s more, I never skip breaks or feel guilty about taking them.

6. Gourmand

Gourmand

If you’re serious about your diet, Gourmand can help.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Gourmand is a recipe app. You type in or import recipes from web pages, text files, or MealMaster, and/or MasterCook, including a description, ingredients, instructions, and notes. Once you’ve created a recipe, you can select it from the main window and click Add to Shopping list, which will then ask you how many servings, and automatically calculate the amounts you need. Print the shopping list and head to the store.

I’ve used Gourmand to help me bake vegan pumpkin chocolate chip bread. The app made it much easier to export my shopping list as a PDF and share it with my Android phone, so I could go to the grocery store without forgetting an ingredient.

There’s also a recipe card view, images, formatting, search, and even the ability to search using regular expressions.

7. Blanket

Blanket

Blanket is my go-to ambient noise app.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

This app is special to me because ambient sounds do a great job of keeping me relaxed and focused. I’ve covered Blanket before, saying that my favorite aspect is the ability to customize the mix of sounds.

You can select from rain, storm, wind, waves, stream, birds, summer night, train, boat, city, coffee shop, fireplace, pink noise, and white noise. You can select any or all sounds you want to include and even add your own sounds. 

You can also adjust the total volume level or the volume of each sound and even save your custom mixes as a preset.

Some studies suggest that listening to nature sounds can actually relieve stress. So, if you have trouble relaxing, Blanket should be a must. This free app keeps me at peace, especially when things can get hectic. Besides, who doesn’t love the sound of a good thunderstorm?





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2026 has shaped up to be a big year for Milwaukee, and the company shows no signs of slowing down as it expands its product line. For example, it has announced that some solid new Milwaukee hand tools and organizers will be arriving throughout the summer, but that’s not all. At the end of the day, you need somewhere to put all of this stuff, and while the Milwaukee Packout storage system is deep and varied as is, the company will expand the line in the summer months.

More methods for organizing your tools are on the way, too, with the Milwaukee Packout line set to introduce some new entries this summer. They vary in size, purpose, and price point, but they’re all compatible with the wider Packout line. That means they can connect to each other, making transportation easier. In some cases, they’ll be able to help keep tools and other items secure and organized while on the move. Additionally, all of these new Packout products are covered by Milwaukee’s Limited Lifetime Warranty.

So, what new products does Milwaukee have to offer from its Packout line this summer? Here are the drops you can look forward to throughout June and July 2026.

Milwaukee compact crate

Sometimes, a massive Packout crate isn’t a necessity, which is why the line has its share of smaller options. Yet another will be coming to the Milwaukee catalog in the form of the Milwaukee Packout compact crate, which is set for a June 2026 release and will cost $39.97. It has a 30-pound weight capacity, comes in at 8.75 inches tall, 9.5 inches wide, 15.5 inches long, and 3.75 pounds, and includes two removable dividers to create up to three sections within the crate. The dividers can also be customized by cutting them to size along the pre-made score lines.

This compact crate features a wide front opening for easy access to its contents while on the job, as well as a metal top handle to carry it around on its own. Should you want to add it to your current Packout stack, you can use the connection points at the top and bottom of the crate. Speaking of durability, Milwaukee notes that it has an impact-resistant body along with weep holes to prevent water collection. At the same time, there is some nuance regarding the waterproof nature of Milwaukee Packout products, so keep that in mind before letting this crate get soaked.

Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate

A shorter but equally mighty Milwaukee Packout container is also on its way to customers this summer. The Milwaukee Packout low-profile crate is the shortest of the new releases at just 6.625 inches tall, though it makes up for what it lacks in height with a 15-inch length and an 18.625-inch width. Even though it’s slightly heavier than the compact crate at 4.85 pounds, it wins out in weight capacity with a 50-pound limit. It will be released in June 2026 and will cost $44.97.

For added modularity, the low-profile crate includes three different divider types: eight short, two long, and one for the middle of the container. When combined, they form up to 12 individual sections for tool and accessory organization. In terms of connecting to other Packout containers, it can do so from the top and bottom. Alternatively, built-in side handles are integrated into the design to make it easier to carry the crate on its own. The crate has weep holes for water drainage and an impact-resistant body.

Milwaukee Packout XL crate

Moving on to one of the larger upcoming Milwaukee Packout releases — even if it ultimately lands somewhere in the middle of the smallest and largest Packout containers for sale — there’s the aptly-named Milwaukee Packout XL crate. This release will hit shelves in June 2026 and comes with a $69.97 price tag. The 8.03-pound crate can take on some serious tools with its 75-pound weight capacity. It measures 15 inches tall, 15.75 inches long, and 18.625 inches wide. Despite its size, it can be hung up on a wall like most other Packout containers.

While some may hang this crate in their workshop, many will use it as part of their mobile Packout stack. You can connect it to your existing setup via the top and bottom connection points. It can also be used with Milwaukee toolbox attachments to hold smaller tools and batteries with connection points on the sides. Alternatively, you can move the crate around using its built-in side handles. It’s advertised as having an impact-resistant body along with anti-water collection weep holes. Suffice to say, there’s more to this seemingly simple crate than initially meets the eye.

Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL Crate

For the most part, the Milwaukee Packout line is so popular because of its versatility. While most entries can be used for just about anything, there are those that come with a specialized function. Case in point, the forthcoming Milwaukee Packout Wire Pulling XL crate, which is designed for dispensing wire. This involves inserting and locking in spools of the user’s needed material, threading the wire through the wire retention slots, and using the fold-down panel to keep the end of the wire from rolling back into the box.

Overall, this crate has the same dimensions and weight capacity as the previously covered Packout XL crate, though it is the heavier of the two at 9.85 pounds. It can accommodate up to six spools, can be stacked onto other Packout containers or hung up, and has an impact-resistant body. This is the most expensive of the new Packout releases at a hefty $119.97, and it’s set to release during July 2026. Alongside the best Milwaukee power tools for electrical work, this crate seems like a vital piece for any Milwaukee-enthusiast electrician’s kit.

New Milwaukee Packout inserts are coming, too

That’s it for the new Milwaukee Packout containers set to debut this summer, but there are more new releases yet to cover. To pair with some of these containers and improve their levels of organization and function, come two new insert sets. First is the divider for the Milwaukee Packout XL crate, which splits the container into two sections. It simply slides down the middle of the crate and fits snugly into place, while retaining its ability to connect with smaller Packout attachments. It will be released in July 2026 for $29.97.

Alongside the Packout XL crate divider is the set of Packout wire pulling inserts for the XL crate. You’ll need these if you end up buying an XL crate and later want to use it as a wire-pulling crate. These inserts allow you to convert it instead of having to buy a new designated wire pulling crate. They attach to two of the inner sides of the crate via T-25 screws and include wire puller guards as well. The Milwaukee product listing says these inserts are meant for 1/2-inch EMT conduit. This insert set also comes out in July and will cost $49.97. 





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