There are days when it feels like our list of things to do has no end, and we have lost steam. Piles of work can eventually start to build up, distractions can slowly begin to creep in, and hours can pass without any actual work being done. It is here that the idea of body doubling will arise- the basic and yet effective methodology to change how people are kept accountable and focused.
What is Body Doubling?
Body doubling involves being in the same physical space as another person or providing access to them through a video call, while doing your work. The other does not have to physically assist you (or even work in your field). They are an anchor that holds you to various activities, minimizing the temptation of wandering off into any other distractions.
This might appear to be very easy, but the psychology is solid. The realization that you are not alone, but there is someone with you, usually gives you a feeling of being pushed to stay on task, but in a nice way. It emulates the experience of being at a library or a coworking space, with the silence of fellow individuals being a natural inducement to concentration.
Why Does Body Doubling Work?
The wonder of body doubling is responsibility and organization. These concentration issues – particularly focusing on one thing at a time – are very difficult to manage in the minds of many individuals, especially those with ADHD, or employees who have flexible schedules and work remotely. The presence of another individual, whether physically or virtually, includes social responsibility. You won’t mindlessly scroll through your phone or head to the kitchen when another person can see whether you are working or not.
It also has the effect of desegregating the workload. Rather than working by yourself, you work with a team- even when the unit comprises only two individuals. This collective sense of direction builds a pace and eliminates a sense of burden in the tasks.
Who Benefits from Body Doubling?
Though everyone can benefit from this technique, it can be beneficial to individuals who:
- Telecommute and long for the discipline of a workplace.
- Lose interest in starting work and get additional pressure to begin the work.
- Individuals prone to ADHD or those who struggle with focus may benefit from external focus to enhance productivity.
- Freelancers or students who spend much time alone at work.
Body doubling offers flexibility in supporting people, allowing more tasks viewed as tedious, daunting, or energy-sucking to be accomplished.
How to Try Body Doubling
Simple is the beauty of body doubling. You also do not require sophisticated equipment or fancy configurations. The things to do are as follows:
Collaborate with a friend or a colleague: They organize a meeting during which you and they are expected to work silently for some predetermined period.
Virtual coworking: Use video calls to generate accountability, even when you are miles away.
Body doubling services: Professional body doubling services have become available, offering a paid space where you can work alongside others who share the desire for personal time.
Final Words
Body doubling is a human solution to the distractions that modern technologies bring. It is not based on applications, timers, or rigid schedules; instead, it uses natural motivation that could only come with a general exposure to others. At work or home, when taking on a DIY home project, or when you are studying, having a body double with you at the same time might be the extra incentive you need to get the job done.
Therefore, next time you find yourself in a bad situation or feel demotivated, consider taking a step back and attempting body doubling. Occasionally, another individual standing silently beside you is all you require before you move out of the domain of procrastination to the world of progress.
