Body doubling is a strategy where another person is physically or virtually present while you work. Their role isn’t to supervise or direct, but simply to be there — an accompanying presence that can support focus, motivation, and task completion.

For many neurodivergent people, especially ADHDers, another person’s presence can act as an anchor. It can make starting tasks feel less overwhelming, interrupt cycles of distraction, and help mundane activities feel more doable. Body doubling might look like working beside a friend at a coffee shop, having a coworker on Zoom while you each focus on separate tasks, or joining a virtual coworking space where others are doing the same.

Body doubling is sometimes misunderstood as a crutch. In reality, it reflects how interdependent people are. Rather than pushing through alone, it recognizes that many nervous systems feel more supported and regulated in connection with others.