The Power of Body Doubling: A Simple Way to Tackle What You’ve Been Avoiding
We all have those tasks—finishing a paper, replying to that one email, folding the laundry, or finally starting a project that’s been sitting on the back burner. Whether you’re a college student, a working adult, a creative, or someone navigating ADHD or executive function challenges, getting started is often the hardest part.
That’s where body doubling comes in.
Body doubling is a productivity strategy where you virtually work alongside someone else while each of you focuses on your own task. There’s no pressure to talk or collaborate; the simple presence of another person creates an atmosphere of support and accountability.
Body doubling, or co-working, is effective for everyone.
How virtual body doubling helps with ADHD
Psychologist Dr. Russell Barkley describes executive function as the ability to plan, initiate, and sustain effort toward a goal. For many people—especially those with ADHD—these abilities are weaker or inconsistent. Body doubling helps by externalizing motivation and structure, making it easier to get started and stay focused.
For those without ADHD
But even neurotypical brains benefit from this. When you're mentally overloaded, emotionally drained, or just stuck, having someone else present reduces the friction of beginning. This can be explained through the science of mirror neurons. Our brains contain mirror neurons that activate when we watch someone else doing a task—like reading, typing, or cleaning. Research suggests that observing others doing focused work can light up the same neural pathways as doing the work ourselves, gently nudging us into action.
Body doubling supports co-regulation by allowing nervous systems to sync through shared focus and presence.
When you work quietly near someone who is calm and focused, your nervous system can begin to sync with theirs—slowing your heart rate, reducing stress, and grounding your attention. This is called co-regulation, and it's especially helpful when you're anxious, overwhelmed, or stuck in a cycle of procrastination.
Our ADHD and executive function coach Cyndi Castello‑Bratteson is now leading three live body doubling sessions every week—open to adults and students, with or without ADHD.
“My team of ADHD coaches and I understand how challenging it can be to manage daily tasks while also maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”
- Cyndi Castello-Bratteson, Executive Function Coach, Program Lead
Our body doubling sessions provide:
A distraction-free space to start (and finish) the things you've been putting off
A structured rhythm of check-ins and focused work blocks
A welcoming, non-judgmental group working silently alongside you
A coach who understands how hard starting can be—and how good finishing feels
Whether you're writing a paper, organizing your desk, paying bills, or making time for a creative goal, Cyndi’s body doubling sessions are here to support your momentum.
Start your personal productivity hour
Register today and join us Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
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Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D., Executive Functions: What They Are, How They Work, and Why They Evolved (2011)
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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medical advice. Any treatment—whether a supplement, medication, procedure, injection, therapy, or device—carries potential risks, especially when used in excess or by individuals with certain medical conditions or genetic predispositions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment.