Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could just sit at your desk anytime and dive straight into your work? Realistically, though, just getting to the desk can feel like a mission. And once you’re there, it’s way too easy to get sucked into a vortex of emails, notifications, and those never-ending to-do lists—so actually reaching The Zone? That magical place where the words flow effortlessly and time disappears? It feels almost impossible.
And once you do get in The Zone, you don’t dare leave—because who knows when you’ll find your way back again!
Whether you’re writing your memoirs, crafting a newsletter, composing a carefully worded email to a challenging co-worker, editing photos, or designing something incredible (that I personally can’t even imagine, because that’s not my talent), there are times when you just need a shortcut to The Zone.
Come closer… looks around suspiciously, then leans in and whispers—I know the way.
Let me show you how I get into The Zone quickly—even when today’s Google Doodle Game is ridiculously tempting (it was about the lunar cycle, and yes, I played it first).
The 5-Senses Hack for Getting in The Zone
The trick? Keep each of your five senses occupied. Here’s how:
Sight
You’ll be using your eyes for your work, obviously, but set yourself up for success: have your glasses handy, ensure good lighting, and eliminate visual clutter that might distract you. Once you’re in The Zone, you won’t want to get up, so set yourself up properly before you start.
Smell
Scent is powerful—it can shift your mood instantly. Light a candle or set up an oil diffuser with a fragrance that matches the energy you need. I have candles specifically chosen for different moods—when I need to focus, I burn a creativity or abundance candle. Essential oils like citrus and spearmint are also great for focus and energy.
Touch
Make sure you’re comfortable—but not too comfortable. You want a chair that supports good posture, a temperature that isn’t distracting, and maybe a cozy cardigan nearby if you tend to get chilly. The idea is to remove physical discomforts that could pull you out of The Zone.
Taste
Mouth boredom is real. In Japanese, there’s even a word for it—kuchisabishii (Koo-chee-sah-bee-shee)—which means “lonely mouth.” It’s that feeling of wanting to eat something, not because you’re hungry, but just because. And hello, dormant disordered eating—I see you.
Set yourself up with a big ol’ cup of coffee, an especially special tea, or even some sparkling water. Have a snack that won’t make you hate yourself later—ideally something one-handed and mess-free (my son calls these “gaming snacks”). Today, for example, I’m working during a lunchtime side-by-side session, so I’ve got a chopped salad next to me.
Sound (The Ultimate Hack)
And now for the best one. Yes, you should listen to something while you work. For deep focus, I recommend subliminal affirmations, instrumental tracks, vibrational sounds, or brainwave entrainment audio.
Brainwave entrainment is a technique that uses specific sound frequencies—like binaural beats or isochronic tones—to sync your brainwaves to a desired mental state. For focus and deep work, you’ll want to use frequencies in the beta (for concentration) or gamma (for problem-solving and creativity) ranges.
💡 How it works:
- Binaural beats play two slightly different frequencies in each ear, and your brain processes the difference as a new frequency, encouraging your brain to match that state.
- Isochronic tones are rhythmic pulses of sound that don’t require headphones and work similarly to guide your brainwaves.
Spotify and YouTube have plenty of curated playlists—just type “binaural beats for focus” or “isochronic tones for productivity”, and you’ll find tracks designed to help you drop into The Zone faster. Here comes one now: Spotify Playlist “Binaural Beats: Focus”
🧠 Bonus tip: Even if you don’t “feel” the effect right away, listening to these sounds consistently can help train your brain to enter a focused state more quickly over time.
🎧 And don’t forget the earbuds! Using Bluetooth headphones or earbuds (even with no sound playing) creates a mental work bubble, helping you tune out distractions and stay locked in.
I cannot stress this enough: if you don’t have a pair, get some. Even if you’re working alone, they make an enormous difference. They don’t just block out external distractions—they actually help quiet the internal noise, too. Somehow, putting in earbuds tells your brain, okay, it’s go time.
If you’re easily distracted (hi, ADHDers!), this is a total game-changer.
Make It a Ritual
Pick your go-to choices for each sense and use them consistently. Over time, these things will become triggers for your brain—before you know it, the scent of mandarins and some binaural beats will have you slingshotting straight into The Zone without even realizing it.
Level Up with Side-by-Side Sessions
Want to supercharge your focus even more? Try adding body doubling into the mix.
Working alongside others (even virtually) adds an extra layer of accountability and motivation. That’s exactly why I run Side-by-Side Sessions—structured co-working sessions designed to help you stay on task and actually get stuff done.
Bring your headphones, set up your five senses, and join us for a session. You’ll be amazed at how much more productive (and less lonely!) your work time can be.
➡️ Ready to experience the magic of focused work with support? Join a Side-by-Side Session today!