How do people feel about taking time off? I'm coming to the end of my 2nd year and haven't got anywhere near the results I would be expected to have achieved by now. However, for the past year I have had to have days off weekly to make hospital visits. I feel like I really need to get away, but I also don't feel like I can afford to. It's such a struggle for me to get out of bed on a morning where before I would leap out at 4am and be in by 6.

You aren't getting anywhere right now so take the time off. Even if you just forget your research for a few weeks.

Depends if you have any commitments, such as teaching etc. And a break might help you relax more and can get back into the focus of things again.

It sounds cliche but take the time off to come back with a fresh perspective. You're more likely to complete more work with renewed energy rather than continue to 'slog' it out. Rest, relax and come back to fight another day :-) All the best.

This is all sound advice (and stuff I already knew!), but the problem I'm having is my supervisor is practically demanding that I have it finished by the end of the month. And I know my colleagues have a dig behind my back through lack of results. I like my project but hate the demanding people I work with.

Is there anyone impartial you can talk to, such as head of department or a second supervisor ?