Glossary
Body doubling, explained
Body doubling is doing focused work while another person is present, in the room or on a video call, so that their presence helps you start and stay on task. The term is widely used in ADHD communities; formal research on it is still limited.
What it means
Many people find it easier to work when someone else is working too: it adds light accountability and makes the start less lonely. It is related to older ideas like study groups and co-working.
How to do it in a calendar
- Agree a time and a length with a friend or teammate.
- Both put the same block in the calendar.
- Say what you will do at the start; check in at the end.
An example
Two friends share a Cutline calendar and both book "Deep work" from 09:00 to 11:00 on a video call with cameras on and mics off.
Common mistakes
- Chatting through it. It is a work session with company, not a hangout.
Questions
Does body doubling work for everyone?
Not everyone; some people focus better alone. It costs nothing to try for a week.
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