Florian:
set up a "typing break" software to alert me every 30 minutes. I relax my wrists, stretch my back, and do a bit of noting practice of these activities and whatever I see, smell, hear... at that time.
This is a great idea. I have a little bit of programming experience so I could create something to notify me at regular intervals.
@Daniel Thank you. It's good to know that progress can stil be made without retreats. I guess I need to get a little creative in my endeavours.
I was also wondering about Maharshi's 'Who am I' practice. This seems like it could be worked into my activities fairly easily as it doesn't take a long time to ask 'Who am I'. Is this type of practice compatible with vipassana? I.e would it progress me along the insight path?