music helps me alot.  I actually dont usually listen early, but when i get late and down to a few tables deep I will fire up some tunes.  Also, in terms of chatting during a session, I tend to not chat early while I have lots of tables…then ill open up TPE chat and/or AIM and chat during the midstages, discuss hands, etc.  Then, often, when it gets late and Im deep I will let people know that I am closing or minimizing chat and focus just on my tables.