I find that isolating myself from my surroundings can actually help encourage me get into the zone. I work from home, usually by myself, but if I want to get in

I find that isolating myself from my surroundings can actually help encourage me get into the zone. I work from home, usually by myself, but if I want to get into the zone I'll chuck on a pair of headphones; something about that helps focus me, prevents distractions, and pulls me into the zone more easily. I suggested this to a friend recently whilst he was writing his dissertation, and he found that it worked well for him too and really helped him get through it. However I can't have folk music, as I stumble across a great tune too often and get up to play it instead :) It is much easier to stay in the zone when there's a physical barrier between you and other people. Even so much as being asked if you want a cup of tea is enough to pull you out of it. I recently asked my boss to stop other people from phoning me if they want me to be productive, and that really helped. I don't think most people understand what it's like; that amazing feeling you get when you're in the zone when programming, and it can be difficult getting them to understand why it's so frustrating being pulled out of it when a simple message would have sufficed.