diff --git a/eyestrainreminder/__main__.py b/eyestrainreminder/__main__.py
index 8e5b308..9150244 100755
--- a/eyestrainreminder/__main__.py
+++ b/eyestrainreminder/__main__.py
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ from pystray import MenuItem as item
 import pystray
 from PIL import Image
 import argparse
+import threading
 
 NAME = 'Eye Strain Reminder'
 MESSAGE = 'Friendly reminder to observe the 20-20-20 rule'
@@ -20,15 +21,18 @@ icon = None
 mute = False
 disable_notifications = False
 invert_icons = False
+notify_thread = None
 
 def init():
+    print("Initializing EyeStrainReminder...")
+    notify2.init(NAME)
+
+def create_tray_icon():
     global icon
     image = get_image()
     icon = pystray.Icon(NAME, image, NAME, generate_menu_items())
     icon.run()
-    print("Initializing EyeStrainReminder...")
-    notify2.init(NAME)
-
+    
 def update_icon():
     global icon
     image = get_image()
@@ -100,4 +104,7 @@ def main():
     uninit()
 
 if __name__ == '__main__':
-    main()
\ No newline at end of file
+    notify_thread = threading.Thread(target=main, name="Notify Thread")
+    notify_thread.start()
+    create_tray_icon()
+    notify_thread.join()