3 Smart Ways to Level Up Your Productivity
by Natasha M. Nurse, Esq.
If you have ever found yourself staring at a never‑ending to‑do list, feeling paralyzed by the thought of starting, you are not alone. Many of us, especially those of us who are neurodivergent, thrive when there is another person present who helps us stay on track. This is where body doubling comes in.
Body doubling is the simple act of working alongside someone else so you can boost focus, stay accountable, and actually finish what you start. You are not working together on the same project. Instead, you are simply working next to each other in person or virtually. Think of it as having a silent cheerleader who is just there so you can stay focused.
If you have never heard of this strategy, it’s important to understand that body doubling is more than just having someone nearby while you work. It is a practical tool that supports executive functioning, the set of mental skills that help you plan, organize, start tasks, stay focused, and follow through. For many people, especially those who are neurodivergent, these skills can be harder to manage, which makes completing academic work, staying on top of responsibilities, and meeting personal goals more challenging. In academics, strong executive functioning is what helps you break down a research project into steps, resist the urge to procrastinate, and meet deadlines without last‑minute panic. Generally, in life, it is what keeps you paying bills on time, maintaining your home, and following through on commitments. Body doubling works because it creates external structure and accountability, making it easier to activate your brain’s “get started” switch, stay engaged, and complete the tasks that matter most.
Want to learn how to get the most out of your next body doubling session? Here are three smart, actionable ways to do just that:
1. Set a Clear Goal Before You Start
One of the biggest mistakes people make with body doubling is jumping in without a plan. You show up, chat a little, and then think, “So… what should I work on?” By the time you decide, your focus is already slipping.
How to do it right:
Before your body doubling session starts, decide exactly what you want to accomplish. Be as specific as possible. Instead of saying, I will work on my report, try: I will write the first 500 words of my report draft.
It also helps to share this goal with your body double partner. This adds a layer of accountability because they will know what you are working toward.
Action Step:
Spend 5 minutes before your session writing down your top 1–3 tasks.
Choose the most important one as your main focus.
Share it with your partner so they can check in with you at the end.
2. Create the Right Environment
Body doubling works best when your environment supports your focus. If your workspace is cluttered or noisy, or your notifications keep pinging, it will be much harder to stay in the zone.
How to do it right:
Set up your environment so that distractions are minimal. If you are meeting in person, choose a quiet location. If you are working virtually, find a comfortable spot where you can keep your camera on if that helps you stay accountable.
Also, think about the tools you need to complete your work. Do you have your laptop charger, water, notebook, and any reference materials nearby? Having everything ready before you start keeps you from interrupting your flow to go find something.
Action Step:
Declutter your desk before your session.
Silence notifications on your phone and computer.
Have all your tools within arm’s reach.
3. Check In and Celebrate Your Wins
It is tempting to just start working and dive right into the next thing without acknowledging what you have accomplished. But taking a few minutes to check in and celebrate small wins makes body doubling more satisfying and motivating.
How to do it right:
At the start of the session, check in briefly with your partner. Share your goal for the session and ask them about theirs. During the session, keep each other posted if you hit a roadblock. At the end, share your progress and acknowledge what went well.
Even if you did not finish everything, give yourself credit for the effort. Body doubling is not about perfection, it is about progress.
Action Step:
Start each session with a 2‑minute check‑in.
End with a 3‑minute celebration of what you accomplished.
Acknowledge one thing you did well, no matter how small.
Why This Works
Body doubling works because it taps into our natural social accountability. We are more likely to stay focused when we know someone else is “with” us, even if they are not watching every move. It also reduces the isolation that can come with working alone.
For many neurodivergent individuals, body doubling removes the invisible mental barrier that makes starting tasks so hard. Once you are in motion, it becomes easier to keep going.
Pro Tips for Long‑Term Success
If you want to make body doubling a regular part of your workflow, here are a few extra tips:
Schedule recurring sessions so you do not have to think about when to do it.
Choose partners you enjoy being around and who also value productivity.
Experiment with timing to see when you are most productive.
Mix it up between in‑person and virtual sessions to keep it fresh.
Homework Assignment
Try this for your next body doubling session:
Before the session: Write down one clear, specific goal. Share it with your partner.
During the session: Work in focused bursts of 25–30 minutes, then take short breaks.
After the session: Check in with your partner. Share what you accomplished and one thing you are proud of.
Bonus: Grab this handy checklist to keep your body doubling sessions on point every time.
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