Abstract: A data input monitor for use with a data input device, such as a computer keyboard, measures the amount of data entered into a computer and establishes intermittent rest periods based on the measured data amount. The data input device includes a display for informing a user when to rest during the rest periods. The data input monitor includes in one embodiment a microprocessor programmed to count the number of keystrokes entered on the computer keyboard and to compute an actual input rate that data is entered into the computer. This actual input rate is then compared to a stored predefined input rate, and used to compute an actual rest period. The data input monitor uses LEDs to inform a user when to work and when to rest. A method for managing user work pace on a computer keyboard is also described.