We live in an age of speed, productivity, and constant connectivity. As developers, it’s all too easy to fall into routines where we go from task to task, from bug to build, while forgetting something essential: ourselves.

This post won’t just walk you through creating a simple daily reminder using JavaScript — it will also invite you to explore the deeper value of integrating self-care into your workflow as a sustainable, healthy habit.

Why Self-Care in Tech Matters

The tech industry is exciting — but also demanding. Burnout isn’t a myth, it’s a daily reality for many of us in the field. Studies have shown that developers who lack work-life balance often experience higher levels of stress, anxiety, and cognitive fatigue.

So what can we do about it?

Simple daily acts like drinking water, stretching, taking conscious breaths, or even just pausing for 60 seconds can truly make a difference. It’s not about wasting time — it’s about investing in your energy and focus.

And as devs, we automate everything. So let’s automate this too: a gentle daily nudge to remind you to take care of yourself.

What We’re Building

We’re going to create a simple HTML + JavaScript app that:

  • Requests browser permission to send notifications
  • Sends a reminder as soon as the page loads
  • Sets up a 24-hour recurring notification

This is a great addition to your local dashboard or a great intro to web notifications and habit automation.

The Code 

</span>
 lang="en">

   charset="UTF-8">
  Daily Self-Care Reminder


  Self-Care for Developers
  This script will send you a daily notification reminding you to take a moment for yourself. 

  
    function requestPermission() {
      if (Notification.permission !== "granted") {
        Notification.requestPermission().then(permission => {
          if (permission === "granted") {
            sendReminder();
          }
        });
      }
    }

    function sendReminder() {
      const options = {
        body: "Take 5 minutes. Breathe. Stretch. Recharge. ",
        icon: "https://cdn-icons-png.flaticon.com/512/869/869636.png"
      };
      new Notification(" Self-Care Reminder", options);
    }

    requestPermission();

    if (Notification.permission === "granted") {
      sendReminder();
    }

    setInterval(() => {
      sendReminder();
    }, 86400000); // 24 hours in milliseconds
  





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  Let’s Break It Down

  
  
  Notification API
We use the native Notification API, which prompts the user for permission and shows system notifications from the browser.
  
  
  Instant Habit Trigger
A notification is sent right after permission is granted or when the page is reloaded and permission is already given.
  
  
  Automated Daily Reminder
With setInterval, the script triggers once every 24 hours, keeping the habit consistent over time.
  
  
  The Value of Ritual: Self-Care as a Practice
Rituals give structure to our days — even small ones. While self-care is often framed in wellness or beauty industries, the concept applies just as much to our digital lives.For instance, this article about conscious beauty and emotional balance explains how even simple routines like skincare can help us pause and reconnect. That same philosophy can be applied to taking mindful breaks at your desk, away from code.Small rituals = big difference.
  
  
  Beyond Code: Taking Care in Real Life
While digital tools are a great support system, self-care also lives in the offline world.Stretching, going for a walk, or even taking time for a mindful treatment can reset your energy entirely. If you’re in a place like Chicago, there are holistic options like a medical spa in Chicago that offer environments designed for full-body restoration — a valuable contrast to screen-heavy days.Again, it’s not about indulgence. It’s about maintenance.
  
  
  Make It Yours

Add this to your local dashboard

Wrap it into a browser extension

Customize the text by day of the week or mood

Track your breaks with localStorage stats

Add gentle sound cues or animations

Let it grow into something uniquely useful for you.
  
  
  What About You?
Have you built tools to support your personal wellness? Would you like to turn this script into a browser extension or app?Share your ideas in the comments — and remember: being a dev means writing great code, but also maintaining a healthy, focused mind behind the keyboard.