Understanding Body Doubling: A Unique Approach to Productivity
In this hurried world and life, we often don’t find effective strategies to become productive. A new method called body doubling has been introduced. This technique involves working alongside another person (virtually or in person) to help with focus and motivation. In this blog, I will cover what body doubling is (and isn’t), its benefits, and how you can integrate this productivity method into your daily routine.
What is Body Doubling?
Body doubling hinges on social interaction to be effective. By being near others, many people maintain a level of productivity that they would not have achieved had they been alone. It’s the nearest thing to not being alone, while still being alone. As far as we know, no one has used body doubling, or even the notion of it, to achieve something great. But Susan Cain, in her book Quiet, which is about introversion, says that near some other person’s level of presence (e.g., another person being in a room), a person can perform better than if either of the two were alone (and by “better,” I mean that a person can achieve more of whatever it is he or she is trying to achieve).
Benefits of Body Doubling
- Enhanced Focus
Working in the presence of another person can enhance focus. Body doubling can reduce distractions and create a more productive atmosphere for concentration. When you see another person busily engaged in work, it can provide a motivational boost toward completing uninterrupted work. Going “off the grid” is a good way to keep your focus if you don’t have a work buddy nearby.
- Reduced Feelings of Isolation
For many people, working by oneself can produce a sensation of isolation and loneliness. Body doubling can help counteract these sensations by offering a form of social interaction. The interaction is minimal; however, whether one is occupying a shared office or a home workspace, having another person on the other side of a video call can make the otherwise solitary experience of working feel just a little less so.
- Improved Task Completion
Combining accountability with a heightened sense of purpose and an almost negligible feeling of isolation could equal something like the increased likelihood or, in some cases, the necessity of finishing a given task. For many individuals, this is what body doubling does: it allows them to work alongside someone else in a kind of togetherness that is not together at all.
How to Implement Body Doubling in Your Routine
Find a Body Double
The initial step is to locate someone who agrees to be a body double. This could be a companion, coworker, or close family member. The key is to select a person who comprehends the concept and is resolutely committed to partnering with you in this endeavor.
Set Clear Goals
It’s essential to establish clear goals for the body doubling session beforehand. This could be a specific task, an exam you’re preparing for, or something that’s usually not your jam. Measure to choose a straightforward and single objective. This will keep you more focused.
Choose the Right Environment
Where you work can have a considerable effect on how well you work. So, find a space that lets you concentrate. The place you choose for this must be comfortable and let you do your job without creating any distractions.
Conclusion
Body doubling is a unique and effective method for fostering productivity in a world of distractions. When a person works alongside another, the former might feel more accountable, focused, and much less lonely, instead feeling just a tad more alive. Whether you’re a student, a teleworker, or regard yourself as anyone who has the freedom to adopt such a practice, working under the watchful gaze of another is the key to your productivity.
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