The Power of Body Doubling: Getting Things Done, Together
If you’ve ever sat staring at a task you really want to do - but somehow can’t start - you’re not alone. For many people, especially those who are neurodivergent or have ADHD, getting started can feel like trying to push through invisible resistance. You know the thing matters, but your brain simply won’t play ball. That’s where body doubling comes in.
Body doubling is the simple act of working alongside someone else - in person or virtually - to help you stay focused and follow through. You don’t have to be working on the same thing; you might be writing a report while they answer emails. The magic is in the shared presence. Just knowing someone else is alongside you, working quietly, helps anchor your attention and calm the mental noise.
For people with ADHD, this can be game-changing. It’s not about accountability in a punitive sense, it’s about co-regulation. Your nervous system borrows a bit of someone else’s steady rhythm until you find your own. Think of it like syncing up with a friend’s breathing when you feel anxious. Suddenly, everything feels a little more possible.
Body doubling works because it reduces the sense of isolation and overwhelm. Tasks that felt heavy on your own start to feel lighter when done together. It also removes decision fatigue: you don’t have to figure out how to get started - you just show up, open your laptop, and begin.
If you’re curious to try it, start small. You could join a virtual coworking session, ask a friend to meet for a “focus coffee,” or even schedule a body doubling call with a colleague where you both work quietly for 25 minutes and then check in. Notice what changes - not just in productivity, but in how you feel.
And here’s the challenge: don’t judge yourself for needing this kind of support. It’s not a weakness, it’s wisdom. We’re wired for connection, and sometimes our best focus comes not from trying harder alone, but from allowing ourselves to be seen and supported.
If you’d like to explore how coaching - or even a few focused body doubling sessions - could help you get unstuck and move forward with confidence, we’d love to hear from you.
Book a free call with Simon or Rachel today.
At Wagtail Coaching, we help people (many with ADHD or neurodivergent minds) find practical ways to get things done, without burning out.