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What is body doubling?

Everything you need to know about Body Doubling

Published:
woman sitting at desk looking at computer saying 'come study with me'! Text: Body doubling study session

Our Library Student Partners are running a body doubling study session at Mile End Library (Seminar Room, Ground Floor) from 11-12pm Wednesday 8th April. Event details.

What is body doubling?

Body doubling is a technique used to increase productivity by being in the company of others while doing work. The idea is that you set aside time to be productive while with others, either in-person or online. This small amount of added pressure is often enough to get you working and help keep you accountable (ADDA, 2025). Body doubling is thought to be especially helpful for people with ADHD, but it can be useful for anyone, neurodivergent or not (Murfitt, 2025).

Why might body doubling work for you?

  • Everyone gets distracted - something which can be exacerbated for neurodivergent people and being in the company of others can be the small added pressure you need to keep you on task
  • Scheduling – setting aside a specific time to get work done while in the company of others can help keep you accountable and ensure you actually spend that time working, preventing you from procrastinating 
  • Good vibes – working alongside others can be grounding and make your work less stressful, whether you’re starting a big project or just getting some admin done (ADDA, 2025)

Why is body doubling important?

  • Reducing likelihood of procrastination – getting work done while body doubling can prevent you procrastinating in the long run and the stress that comes with it 
  • Community – we’re all helping each other be more productive (ADDA, 2025)
  • Accessibility – body doubling can be done in person or online (Choi, 2025), and is a great way to better manage study for neurodivergent and neurotypical people alike

Fancy giving it a go?

Join our Library Student Partners at their student-led body doubling study session at Mile End Library (Seminar Room, Ground Floor) from 11-12pm Wednesday 8th April. We hope to see you there! Event details.

 

- Written by Flo Shea, Library Student Partner and 1st year School of the Arts

 

 

References

ADDA (2025, February 20). The ADHD Body Double: A Unique Tool for Getting Things Done. ADDA: Attention Deficit Disorder Association. https://add.org/the-body-double/

Choi, S. (2025, May 28). What Is Body Doubling for ADHD? Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/adhd/body-double-adhd

Murfitt, T. (2025, February 25). ADHD Body Doubling. Oxford CBT. https://www.oxfordcbt.co.uk/adhd-body-doubling/

 

 

 

 

 

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