In the realm of productivity hacks, one lesser-known yet highly effective technique has been gaining traction: body doubling. Rooted in psychological and behavioral principles, this method offers promising benefits, particularly for individuals grappling with ADHD or executive functioning challenges. Let’s delve into why this approach works and how it can transform the productivity game.
Social Facilitation
Ever noticed how having someone around can spur you to perform better? That’s the magic of social facilitation. Research underscores that the mere presence of others can amp up our performance, especially on tasks we’re familiar with. Body doubling capitalizes on this phenomenon by providing a supportive environment for task completion. Whether it’s tackling projects requiring sustained attention or sheer effort, having a companion in the room can make all the difference.
External Accountability
Accountability serves as a potent catalyst for behaviour change and task accomplishment. With a body double by your side, there’s a palpable sense of external accountability, even if they’re not actively involved in the task. This external presence can help individuals with ADHD stay anchored and focused, knowing that someone else is privy to their efforts. It’s a subtle yet powerful motivator that can nudge you toward your goals.
Reduced Feelings of Isolation
The journey of battling ADHD often feels solitary, with waves of isolation and loneliness crashing in, especially during challenging tasks. Enter the body double, offering companionship and social support. Their presence not only alleviates feelings of isolation but also uplifts mood and motivation. It’s like having a silent cheerleader by your side, making the arduous journey seem less daunting.
Accountability and Feedback
While your body double may not be actively engaged in the task, their presence serves as a beacon of accountability and feedback. They offer words of encouragement, praise, or gentle reminders, steering you back on track when distractions loom large. Their silent yet supportive role can be instrumental in maintaining focus and productivity.
At its core, body doubling taps into the power of social support, external accountability, and modeling to bolster focus, motivation, and productivity, particularly for individuals navigating ADHD or executive functioning hurdles. While further research on body doubling itself could be illuminating, its underlying principles find firm footing in empirical evidence from related fields of psychology and behavioral science.
In a world brimming with productivity hacks, body doubling stands out as a beacon of simplicity and effectiveness—a testament to the profound impact of human connection on our ability to thrive in the face of challenges.
By Kaleigh Smith, RP
