It may seem counterintuitive, but taking more breaks during your workday will increase your productivity. Naphtali Hoff, an executive coach, writes that taking breaks will positively impact your ability to work. He says that among other benefits, breaks allows your mind to better process information and make decisions. Breaks also help you focus and reduce boredom, increase creativity, and restore your motivation to complete long-term tasks.

Hoff suggests three ways to take efficient breaks:

The Pomodoro Technique. Using this technique, you will work straight for 25 minutes and then take a short break for five minutes. After completing four Pomodoro sessions, you take a longer break.

90-minute work blocks. In this method, you work straight for ninety minutes before taking a break.

Two 15-minute breaks per day. If you choose this method, you schedule two 15-minute breaks each day, perhaps to coincide with times that you want a snack or burst of exercise.

During your break you can do various restful things including taking a walk outdoors, doodling, eating a snack or drinking coffee, reading, listening to music, chatting with co-workers, or even taking a nap.

For more ideas on why and how to take a break, read “Break often but briefly” on Smartbrief.com.