# Heartbeat

> Using /workspace/HEARTBEAT.md for periodic self-directed background work and proactive checks

- Skill: `pasky/heartbeat` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add pasky/heartbeat`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/pasky/heartbeat/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: AI & ML
- Author: pasky (https://skillmd.com/u/pasky)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/pasky/heartbeat

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# Heartbeat

Write a `/workspace/HEARTBEAT.md` file to schedule recurring background work.
This file is checked frequently (hourly or so; may vary) and you will get
opportunity to get that work done every heartbeat.

Keep the file small to limit token burn. Use it for:
- Rotating checks (systems, sites, updates, events, notifications)
- Proactive background work (memory maintenance, project status)
- Short checklists of things to monitor

Explicitly instruct heartbeat jobs when & how should they say something - the
job's agent will be advised to stay silent by default.

Delete or empty the file to stop heartbeat invocations.

Cron vs. heartbeat: Use cron for specific jobs with clear frequency. Use heartbeat for jobs to be done generally "frequently / continuously".