How to get in the zone?

How do I get in the zone? I lost my focus in my last couple games and played terribly, blundered a bit, and I need a way or two to get in the zone. Help/Opinions?

caffeine

Music

Often, if I’m not in the zone, I just stop playing.

Usually the same for me; some days it just seems like nothing you do works (even if you are motivated to play) and so I'll go to puzzles, unrated games, or even something not chess related; I'll certainly avoid rated games though. I try to play rated when I'm motivated and feeling on my "A game" or maybe starting to slip a bit, but that is when I take a break. Chess is mentally tasking, so breaks are entirely expected.