Body Doubling With ADHD
A productivity strategy described by many as helpful was actually…helpful!
I’ve frequently seen videos and posts about body doubling but hadn’t thought much of it. As an autistic introvert who prefers a quiet, solitary working environment, I figured it was something that might work for some but not for me.
Apparently, I was wrong.
If the term is new to you, body doubling is essentially having another person present when you’re getting work done — almost as a form of accountability, but they aren’t meant to add any pressure on you, just be present.
Some people find this strategy so helpful, they seek out like-minded ADHDers to connect with and will body double virtually.
I remember when I was in college and not yet diagnosed with ADHD, I had a harder time studying in my apartment. I assumed it was because there were so many distractions — my roommate, my computer with Internet, and a myriad of more interesting things to do.
I completed my first degree in Toronto and took the subway to and from classes every day. I quickly discovered that reading on the subway with headphones on provided the ideal environment in which to study. I had no cell service because we were underground, no internet, and no roommate to chat with.
