Body doubling is a productivity and accountability approach that involves working in either digital or physical proximity to another person in order to help improve motivation and maintain focus. Rather than engaging in conversation, body doubling partners work together quietly, often on entirely different projects.
While this technique has been popularized for individuals with ADHD, it can be a valuable tool for anyone looking for a boost in focus and accountability. It has received a great deal of extra attention over the last few years, especially as the number of remote and entrepreneurial positions have been increasing.
Want to learn how body doubling works for yourself? Join us at Cohere Coworking!
Why Body Doubling is a Powerful Tool
Multiple preliminary studies have been done on this phenomenon, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. In many cases, working alongside another person has several advantages over working alone. Advantages of body doubling for productivity can include:
- Motivational boosts–The awareness that another person is relying on you to enhance their focus provides a gentle reminder to stay on task.
- Calm Hyperactive or Anxious Behavior–For many, the mere presence of another person helps to quell feelings of restlessness or anxiety, improving productivity.
- Decreased Distraction–Body doubling acts as a powerful psychological deterrent to distractions like checking your cellphone, getting sucked into online rabbit holes, or being distracted by social media.
Body Doubling Online vs In-Person
Body doubling can be practiced either in-person or online, and both methods have their pros and cons. For instance, it can be easier to find a body doubling partner or group online at odd hours, but unless you know the person, it’s also easier to get distracted or be less accountable when you know you may never see that individual again. On the other hand, while body doubling in person may subtly increase the benefits of the technique, it may be difficult to arrange schedules and typically involves travel time.
The Body Doubling Advantages of Coworking
Belonging to a coworking community, especially a friendship-based coworking community like Cohere Coworking helps to combat the cons of both online and in-person body doubling by being accessible. Not only can you find someone to cowork with in person right where you are already working, but you can also contact community members on our online platforms to set up online body doubling sessions when you can’t physically come into the office.
In addition, body doubling with people of an established community adds an enhanced sense of accomplishment. It provides an opportunity to share your progress on longer projects with people who have time to become friends.
Come tour Cohere Coworking and body double with new like-minded friends!
Penny Leigh Sebring is a Cohere member, experienced freelance writer, neophyte speculative fiction author, founder of Kiki’s Castle Independent Press, LLC, in Fort Collins, CO, and a gatherer of information and imaginary friends.