Its not a course work, an exam, a project or a contest. Its very different, research is like none of these activities. Research requires a self time, which I am now struggling to find. Distractions, mails, internet, talks and noises during the normal hours 10-5 p.m. In the 5th year of PhD, and need to schedule a quality time. Mornings and nights are only option. Nights are very lethargic and tiring mind for research, needs a fresh mind for research, mornings seem to be the only time. But, early morning is the only possible time. So, around 4 hours of quality time in the mornings is the best option, no disturbance in the dept or room. Maybe 6:30 am -7: 30 am, and then 8:30 am-11:30 a.m after breakfast, or 8-12 am . This time should be devoid of checking even dept. e-mail. The best part is the quality research for the PhD thesis is over early morning and have the rest of the day for other lab, dept. meetings talks, and extra-curricular activities. And night 8:30- 10:30 p.m. is also a optimum time after early dinner.
