Earlier quoted context omitted.
Going on a walk outside in the morning like I do is probably better exercise than yoga.
Why do you think that?
Because your body is in motion the entire time.
Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
61–70 of 110 posts
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#62Rather pathetically, a large bottle of Coca Cola under the desk and a pint glass to guzzle it down with. The same sugar downing tactic also works for getting quick at CoD, heh.
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#63Earlier quoted context omitted.
Why do you think that?
Because your body is in motion the entire time.
I'm a little biased because I do practice yoga. But I also walk. And, for me personally, yoga is always a more vigorous workout. I can't imagine how walking could ever approach the level of intensity yoga provides.
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#64When I was in university I had a serious problem with concentration and being "in-and-out" of the zone. So for two years I made an effort to have something chewing in my mouth(started with candies, then pen, and after a couple of unfortunate blasting incidents-coffee stirring rods) whenever I was 'in the zone' or about to be. After a while, I've been conditioned to be "in the zone" on cue by chewing on a coffee stirr…
There's no reason to avoid caffeine. It's a very stress protective substance. Coffee with a little bit of sugar is a great way to sustain concentration far longer than you otherwise could. If one is adapted to it, it does not make one jittery.
Another lesser known chemical trick is aspirin. Aspirin boosts energy, mood, and concentration. Some days I down nearly three grams. I find it works synergistically with coffee.
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#65In my experience, the secret is highly correlated to the preparation that I do before the work even begins . What this means is practicing a daily combination of correct eating, rigorous exercise and quality sleep. With these elements in harmony and alignment, I am able to bring it. I recommend a morning yoga routine [1]. This will clear the mind, revitalize the body and set the ground-work and tempo for a fantastic…
Going on a walk outside in the morning like I do is probably better exercise than yoga.
Agree, and going Nordic skiing is better exercise than using a Nordic Ski machine. One of the massive benefits of living 60 deg. North, where it's winter 9 months of the year.
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#66For me it's pretty simple.
1. No distractions or interruptions. That includes a clean desk, no interruptions (closed door is preferable).
2. Comfortable chair and desk. You'll need something that you can sit in for extended periods of time.
3. Big container of water. I don't chug this, I sip. Your brain needs hydration, but I don't too much at one time as that forces bathroom breaks.
To preface all this, I usually always make sure I start as early as I can, have some coffee, and food. Before kids, I would usually do 6a-10a straight. Now, I can do an hour or so straight before I'm interrupted.
And, of course, stay away from HN and other news sites.
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#67Earlier quoted context omitted.
Because your body is in motion the entire time.
I'm a little biased because I do practice yoga. But I also walk. And, for me personally, yoga is always a more vigorous workout. I can't imagine how walking could ever approach the level of intensity yoga provides.
[deleted]
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#68In my experience, the secret is highly correlated to the preparation that I do before the work even begins . What this means is practicing a daily combination of correct eating, rigorous exercise and quality sleep. With these elements in harmony and alignment, I am able to bring it. I recommend a morning yoga routine [1]. This will clear the mind, revitalize the body and set the ground-work and tempo for a fantastic…
Going on a walk outside in the morning like I do is probably better exercise than yoga.
Plus it's easier to do than yoga.
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#69When I was in university I had a serious problem with concentration and being "in-and-out" of the zone. So for two years I made an effort to have something chewing in my mouth(started with candies, then pen, and after a couple of unfortunate blasting incidents-coffee stirring rods) whenever I was 'in the zone' or about to be. After a while, I've been conditioned to be "in the zone" on cue by chewing on a coffee stirr…
There's no reason to avoid caffeine. It's a very stress protective substance. Coffee with a little bit of sugar is a great way to sustain concentration far longer than you otherwise could. If one is adapted to it, it does not make one jittery. Another lesser known chemical trick is aspirin. Aspirin boosts energy, mood, and concentration. Some days I down nearly three grams. I find it works synergistically with coffee…
One of my co-worker and one of my friends drink at least three cups of coffee in the morning alone to get the day started. The chemical tolerance they've built up scared me off.
Re: Ask HN: How do you get and stay in the "zone"?
#70Different things work for different people but I'll throw my techniques into the ring. I have worked from home for the last 10 years so some of these won't be suitable for a corporate environment. - Start immediately, as soon as you get to your work environment. For me that means no breakfast, no coffee etc... until one function/problem/failing unit test/something is done. Since I'm at home when I wake up I get dress…
These are awesome tips! I like silence the best for focus (less cognitive load the better). These have been a godsend: http://www.amazon.com/3M-Peltor-H10A-Optime-Earmuff/dp/B0000... Basically just your basic noise blocking headphones. For extra blockage insert earbuds under them. Sublime silence.
I'm not sure why it never occurred to me to get an inexpensive pair of earmuffs designed specifically for blocking out sound ($20), as opposed to a really expensive pair of reference-class headphones ($200+). Most of the time I just want to block out sound. And when I want music, I can probably put in my comfy earbuds and put the earmuffs over them. Thanks for the idea!