Mostly, I seem to do my best thinking late at night. That's when I read something and suddenly 'get it'. Or alternatively when talking to other people while walking or driving, is a good way to iron out bumps in my thinking and work out what I'm not understanding.
I prefer music or movement to quieten my mind, so I can concentrate. People watching TV in the background works?too, but sometimes they expect me to know what's happening on the TV and I have no idea.