In the study by Emory School of Medicine, Zen Meditation training and practice was shown to reduce the recovery time after distractions. Simple tests showed that Zen meditators more quickly return to focusing on a word task when particular distractions were created. The presumption is that the practice includes our overall focus and attention management, though more studies would need to confirm the effect before we jump too far.
In any case, this shows another positive effect of simple meditation practices. The general Mindfulness and Zen practices are our favorites here, in that order.
Emory University (2008, September 3). Zen Training Speeds The Mind’s Return After Distraction, Brain Scans Reveal. ScienceDaily.
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080902221741.htm