A few years ago, being discovered taking a nap at work would have resulted in instant dismissal. These days, snoozing at work is no longer the preserve of security guards in heist movies. Recent research has shown that a short nap at work can be beneficial for productivity.

The so called "power nap" was first made famous at Google. This is National Stress Awareness Month and what better way to release some of that tension than to grab a few quick winks. Here are five tips to get the most out of it.

Don't Feel Guilty
Naps during work time used to be associated with lazy people. But, as research has shown, a power nap can boost your energy and help you put in that extra effort needed to complete a difficult task. So, go ahead and charge the pajamas to your expense account. (You know I’m just kidding, right. Don’t really do that, ok?)

Keep it Short
For a power nap to be effective it has to be short; anything longer than thirty minutes and you get the opposite effect. Tests have shown that people who nap for only thirty minutes score better in cognitive tests. So, take a 10-minute shut-eye for the best results.

Time your Naps
We all have different times when we our energy bottoms out. Learn your body so that you time your nap to coincide with that low time of the day. This will require some initial tracking before you figure out when your body begins to feel fatigued.

Gear Up!
Take your nap as seriously as you take your work. Get some pillows or cushions and look for a nice quiet place where you will not be disturbed by coworkers. The room should also have low lighting. Alternatively, use an eye mask.

Don't Overdo the Caffeine
If you are constantly drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages, then you will always be hyper alert and you may not be able to benefit from a quick power nap.

So grab a pillow, find a dim, quiet nook and settle in for a quick and refreshing power nap, and let some of that stress melt away. Zzzzzzzzzzzz……