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Shared Spaces, Shared Success: The Magic of Body Doubling

How a simple presence transforms your productivity and helps you reach full ability.

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Sometimes, productivity feels like a game you’re destined to lose — staring at a blinking cursor or an untouched to-do list, wishing focus could be as easy as flipping a switch. Enter body doubling: a technique that boosts productivity for many. It’s a way to overcome procrastination, regain a sense of control, and feel less alone in the struggle to get things done.

Born from the lived experiences of ADHD communities, body doubling is now resonating far beyond its roots. It’s a simple yet powerful concept: working alongside someone — either virtually or in person — to stay focused and accountable. What began as a lifeline for those with executive dysfunction is now a shared strategy for anyone with unfinished tasks.

I first came across this technique when I joined a virtual book club. They had reading sprints using the Pomodoro method: 25 minutes of focused reading, then short breaks. It was incredibly motivating to see others reading alongside me. Those five or ten-minute breaks gave us time to relax and connect before diving back in. Later, when I went back to grad school, I suggested…