playing and staying in the zone

[BullChip]

okay, so lately I've been paying more attention to my focus on the game and less about how much money I make or lose. I find that concentrating on each and every move, whether it be fold or raise and determining the best decision at that very particular moment regardless of outcome or previous events helps me to play better and in return, win more consistently. However, the moment I get a big hand cracked like AA I feel a little bothered, albeit not too much. My main concern is that even feeling somewhat bothered is enough for my game to decline even a little bit, which can increasingly decline the further into my session where I may look back at key big hands and start to think 'what if's', which I want to eradicate.

Anyhow, I find that listening to music helps and of course taking breaks. I also stretch out once in a while to get the blood circulating better and meditate as well trying to clear my mind as much as possible and only focus on the game.

Any other tips I can use at the table, or rather at my desk while playing? perhaps a stress ball?

[Guruman]

yup, go with a stress ball.

[OrangeCat]

I was at a table last week and a player had the stress balls that you roll around in your hand, not the kind you squeeze. It was his turn to act and he just stared at the board rolling away. After a long pause the dealer says "It's on you Captain Queeg."* I just about fell out of my chair laughing.

Might be helpful online but don't bring them to the B&M. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

*The Caine Mutiny.

[SNOWBALL138]

If you are an online player, I think that getting out of the house for an hour or two is the best way to relax.

In the casino, I tend to laugh inwardly at the fishy activities of other players. Somehow, its easier for me to enjoy a bad beat if I can at least see the person who put it on me.