Find motivation and get things done in a supportive environment with the Learning Lounge’s body doubling sessions, where working alongside others can make a difference.
When I really need to focus, my instinct is to remove myself from other people. But that isn’t how it works for everyone. I’ve heard this reported more by neurodiverse students (particularly those with ADHD), that it can be really useful to study in the presence of others, in terms of maintaining focus and concentration.
This phenomenon is known as “body doubling.” It might seem counter-intuitive, but the presence of another person can actually help us regulate our own attention and concentration. Eagle et al. (2024) explain that body doubling is a strategy where the presence of others is used to start, maintain focus, or complete a task. The task can be productivity-related or for leisure, and the body double can be physically present, remote, or even a recording. You aren’t necessarily interacting with the other person, but their presence is regulating. So, it’s exciting to hear that SLSS (Student Learning Support Service) is experimenting with body doubling sessions at the Learning Lounge!
What is Body Doubling?
Body doubling is a productivity and focus strategy where a person works alongside someone else—either in person or virtually—to help them stay on task. The “body double” doesn’t need to participate in the task; their presence alone serves as a form of gentle accountability. This technique is often used by people with ADHD, but many find it helpful when they’re struggling with motivation, focus, or task initiation.
The body double acts as a non-judgmental, supportive presence that can reduce feelings of isolation, distractibility, or overwhelm. It’s especially effective for tasks that feel boring, difficult, or anxiety-inducing.
For example, a student might schedule a video call with a friend where both work silently on their own projects. Just knowing someone else is present and working can make it easier to start and stay engaged with the task.
We tried something similar during COVID with our “Shut Up and Study” sessions. We’d meet in Collaborate (a Zoom equivalent) at a dedicated time. We’d take 10 minutes to share our goals for the session, then work silently for 70 minutes, then check in again with each other at the end to share our experience and what we got done. It was a really nice way to add a social element to quiet study. I found it motivating to hear about other’s goals, and I liked sharing my progress but also giving positive feedback to others on their progress. Eagle et al. (2024) found that body doubling doesn’t require participants to be involved in the same activity or even interact with each other.
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Body Doubling at the Learning Lounge
SLSS is now offering body doubling sessions at the Learning Lounge:
- Where: The Commons, Level 2, Central Library
- When: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM (from Week 7 onwards, excluding public holidays)
SLSS advisors will be present to check in with students.
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Benefits of Body Doubling
Body doubling offers a range of potential benefits for students:
- Improved focus and concentration
- Reduced procrastination
- Increased motivation
- A sense of accountability
- A supportive study environment
- Alleviation of negative feelings associated with tasks (e.g., anxiety, overwhelm)
- Assistance with task initiation
- Emotional regulation
- Reduction of feelings of isolation
Whilst the uni sessions will involve academic tasks, Eagle et al. (2024) highlight that body doubling can assist with various tasks, including productivity, leisure, household chores, and self-care.
However, it’s important to remember that whether or not it will be beneficial is very individual. The best approach is to give it a go and see what you think. There’s no pressure to like it if you don’t, but there’s also a lot to gain if you discover it is helpful.
Call to Action
I’ve personally found great value this year from varying my study environment. Some days I work from home, quite isolated; some days I’m at the city campus, with its open plan and moderate environmental noise; and some days I’m at Bedford, in a louder office area. Experimenting with different work locations helps you better understand the conditions that motivate (and demotivate) you.
So, if the central library is a destination you use, consider giving these sessions a try.
Whether or not the Body Doubling sessions turn out to be beneficial to you, connecting with the SLSS crew is a good investment in your learning. The range of programs and resources they offer to enhance your learning experience is impressive.
So, to reiterate: Body doubling sessions are on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 AM to 2 PM in the Commons, Level 2 of the Central Library.
Conclusion
Ultimately, these sessions are about creating a supportive environment for students. It’s fantastic that SLSS is taking the initiative to provide this valuable resource. Here’s to finding focus and achieving student success!
Reading
https://dl.acm.org/doi/pdf/10.1145/3689648 – “It Was Something I Naturally Found Worked and Heard About Later”: An Investigation of Body Doubling with Neurodivergent Participants
