In honor of ADHD Awareness Month, our very own Keith Brophy is joining Coach Ryan for a special Folding with Friends Instagram LIVE session!

Folding with Friends is Coach Ryan’s regular body doubling session where he and his followers fold laundry together and talk about ADHD. It’s a great example of why “body doubling” has gained popularity in the ADHD community. 

What is Body Doubling?

Body doubling is the practice of having another person present while you work on a task. Your body double doesn’t necessarily help with the task itself but serves as a supportive presence. The concept is based on the idea that having someone else in the room can provide accountability, reduce distractions, and create a more structured environment.

How Does Body Doubling Help People with ADHD?

People with ADHD know how challenging it can be to complete mundane tasks when your brain seeks distraction and dopamine. Body Doubling provides that dopamine along with other factors that help keep you focused.

Increased Accountability

Knowing someone else is present can create a sense of accountability, making it less likely for procrastination or distraction to take hold.

Reduced Anxiety 

The presence of another person can help alleviate anxiety associated with starting or completing tasks. THink of your body double as an emotional support.

Improved Focus

Having a “body double” can help create a more structured environment, making it easier to concentrate on the task at hand.

Motivation Boost 

The social aspect of body doubling can make tedious tasks feel more enjoyable and less isolating. For example, folding laundry becomes a time to catch up with friends.

How Do I Body Double?

Fortunately, Body Doubling is simple and can be done in a variety of ways.

In-Person Body Doubling

Ask a friend, family member, or colleague to be physically present while you work. They can engage in their own tasks or simply provide a supportive presence.

Virtual Body Doubling

Use video calls or specialized apps to connect with a body double remotely. This can be especially useful for those working from home or in isolated environments.

Body Doubling Groups

Join or create a group where multiple people with ADHD can work together, either in person or virtually.

Professional Body Doubling

Some ADHD coaches offer body doubling services as part of their support programs.

Reciprocal Body Doubling

Take turns being the body double for each other with a friend or colleague who also has ADHD.

Body doubling can be a powerful tool for individuals with ADHD to enhance their productivity and focus. By creating a supportive environment and leveraging the presence of others, people with ADHD can overcome common challenges associated with task initiation and completion. Whether in-person or virtual, body doubling offers a practical and accessible strategy for managing ADHD symptoms and achieving greater success in daily tasks

Body Doubling is just one way to manage your symptoms and live your best life. Discover more when you take our Diagnostic Evaluation and get on a treatment path.