An ADHD body double is a person who provides a supportive, non-judgmental presence for someone with ADHD while they work on tasks. Their mere presence can help improve focus, motivation, and accountability, making it easier to start and complete tasks that might otherwise feel overwhelming. The body double doesn't actively participate in the task itself but acts as a silent, grounding influence, minimizing distractions and helping maintain focus. This technique can be helpful for various activities, from chores and work projects to creative endeavors, offering a simple yet effective strategy to manage ADHD-related challenges.
Body doubling utilizes the presence of another person, either virtually or in-person, to enhance focus and productivity, particularly for tasks that individuals find challenging to initiate or complete independently. This technique leverages accountability and shared work sessions to combat procrastination and maintain motivation, particularly beneficial for those with ADHD, autism, or other conditions impacting executive function. The website, BodyDoubling.com, offers resources and a platform to connect with others for body doubling sessions, highlighting its effectiveness in overcoming procrastination and fostering a sense of shared purpose while working towards individual goals.
Hacker News users discussed the effectiveness of body doubling, with many sharing personal anecdotes of its benefits for focus and productivity, especially for those with ADHD. Some highlighted the accountability and subtle social pressure as key drivers, while others emphasized the reduction of procrastination and feeling less alone in tackling tasks. A few skeptical commenters questioned the long-term viability and potential for dependency, suggesting it might be a crutch rather than a solution. The discussion also touched upon virtual body doubling tools and the importance of finding a compatible partner, along with the potential for it to evolve into co-working. Some users drew parallels to other productivity techniques like the Pomodoro method, and there was a brief debate about the distinction between body doubling and simply working in the same space.
Summary of Comments ( 142 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43597425
HN commenters generally agree that body doubling is a helpful technique, not just for those with ADHD. Many share their own experiences with informal body doubling, such as working in coffee shops or libraries, or using online tools like Focusmate. Some highlight the accountability and reduced procrastination it provides, while others emphasize the social aspect and feeling of shared purpose. A few express skepticism, questioning whether it's a genuine solution or just a temporary crutch, and suggest addressing underlying issues instead. There's also discussion about the importance of finding the right body double, as personality and work style compatibility can significantly impact effectiveness. Finally, several commenters offer alternative strategies for focus and productivity, like the Pomodoro Technique and binaural beats.
The Hacker News post titled "The ADHD body double: A unique tool for getting things done" generated several comments discussing the concept of body doubling and its effectiveness, particularly for individuals with ADHD.
Many commenters shared personal anecdotes about their positive experiences with body doubling. They described how the presence of another person, even if not actively participating in the task, helped them maintain focus and overcome procrastination. Some attributed this to increased accountability, while others emphasized the social aspect and the reduction of feelings of isolation. One commenter likened it to having a "coworking buddy" and highlighted the motivational boost it provides. Another mentioned how simply having someone else in the room, even if engaged in their own work, created a sense of shared purpose and minimized distractions. A parent of a child with ADHD shared their success with body doubling for homework, noting a significant improvement in the child's focus and productivity.
Several commenters also discussed the different forms body doubling can take. Some found success with virtual body doubling, using online platforms or video calls to connect with others. Others preferred in-person sessions, emphasizing the importance of non-verbal cues and shared physical presence. Some commenters highlighted the flexibility of the technique, noting that it can be adapted to various situations and preferences. One commenter suggested that even background noise, like that of a coffee shop, could provide a form of passive body doubling.
Some commenters delved into the possible reasons behind body doubling's effectiveness. They speculated that it might help regulate attention, reduce anxiety, and provide external structure for those who struggle with internal regulation. One commenter linked it to the Pomodoro Technique, suggesting that the structured time intervals and breaks inherent in both methods contribute to increased focus.
A few commenters mentioned potential downsides, such as the logistical challenges of finding a consistent body double and the potential for dependency. However, the overall sentiment was overwhelmingly positive, with many commenters expressing enthusiasm for the technique and encouraging others to try it. Some even shared resources and tips for finding body doubling partners or accessing virtual platforms.