As someone who has lived with ADHD since being diagnosed as an adult, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to stay focused, start tasks, and avoid the constant pull of distractions. At SwiftLyfe Coaching and Consulting, I’ve made it my mission to share strategies that help people like us thrive, and one of the most effective tools I’ve found is body doubling. This simple yet powerful approach has transformed the way I and many others tackle tasks and reach our goals. Here’s how it can work for you too.
What is Body Doubling?
Body doubling is all about working alongside someone else—whether in person or virtually—to stay focused and productive. It’s not about supervision or micromanagement but about creating a shared energy that keeps us grounded and motivated. Sometimes, just knowing someone else is there working on their tasks can help us make progress on ours.
Why Does Body Doubling Work? Insights from the ADHD Brain
If you’re like me, you’ve probably struggled with the unique way ADHD affects motivation and focus. Our brains often have a hard time producing enough dopamine, the neurotransmitter that plays a key role in feeling rewarded and motivated. This makes getting started—and staying on track—especially tough. Here’s why body doubling is such a game-changer:
- Boosting Dopamine Naturally: The simple act of working alongside someone else can trigger dopamine release, giving us a sense of reward that helps maintain focus.
- External Motivation: Sometimes, we need a little external structure to get things rolling. Body doubling provides that, giving us the nudge to move forward.
- Overcoming Decision Paralysis: When I feel stuck deciding what to tackle, having a body double helps me break down tasks and focus on one thing at a time.
- Anchoring Attention: ADHD makes distractions a constant battle. Having someone there helps me stay anchored to my goals.
- Creating Calm: There’s something deeply calming about not working alone, and that reassurance makes even overwhelming tasks feel more manageable.
Highlights from Our Recent Event
At our recent SwiftLyfe ADHD Body Doubling Event, I had the privilege of guiding a group of incredible individuals through a productive and inspiring session. Here’s what made the day so impactful:
- Procrastination Breakthroughs: Participants tackled tasks they’d been avoiding for weeks. One person finally organized a pile of paperwork staring at them for months, and another completed a dreaded round of email replies.
- Creative Wins: It was amazing to see participants rediscover their passion for creative projects. One attendee made significant progress drafting a short story they’d felt stuck on for months.
- Decluttering Success: Several attendees used the time to clear out physical and digital clutter, from reorganizing closets to cleaning up messy desktops. Seeing the sense of relief and accomplishment on their faces was incredibly rewarding.
- Professional Achievements: Some participants knocked out work-related tasks, like preparing presentations or updating resumes. One person told me, “This was the push I needed to finally get my resume polished!”
- Emotional Support: Perhaps most touching of all, many attendees shared how comforting it was to know they weren’t alone in their struggles. One participant said, “This reminded me that I’m not tackling these challenges by myself.”
I designed the session to be flexible and supportive, with breakout rooms for quiet focus, active collaboration, or group discussions. Watching everyone find their rhythm in their own way was a reminder of how powerful this technique can be.
How I Can Help You Through SwiftLyfe
At SwiftLyfe, I’ve built programs and events designed to empower individuals with ADHD, and body doubling is a key part of what I offer. Here’s how you can get involved:
- Join Our Group Coaching Programs:
- Attend Special Events: In December, I’ll host a creative workshop on artistic expression. Then in January, our coaching groups will kick off the new year with structured support to help you succeed.
- Use Our Tools and Resources: I provide participants with productivity tools, tutorials, and personalized coaching to help integrate body doubling into their daily lives.
Let’s Work Together to Thrive
I believe understanding how the ADHD brain works is the first step to unlocking our potential. Body doubling has been a game-changer for me, and I’ve seen it do the same for countless others. If you’re looking for a supportive community, actionable strategies, and the encouragement you need to achieve your goals, I’d love for you to join us at SwiftLyfe.
Together, we can turn challenges into triumphs and make progress one step at a time.
For more information or to sign up for an event or program, visit SwiftLyfe Coaching and Consulting or reach out to me directly. Let’s take this journey together.