The end of the semester brings a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to managing a heavy workload of labs, assignments, internships, and more. At Binghamton, everyone has a preferred study space, from the quiet of Bartle Library to the energy of the Marketplace or alone at your desk.
Reflecting on my time as both a student and now a staff member here, I remember how difficult I found it to work in a silent, solitary space. I discovered that I was far more productive in environments with life happening around me. I recently found out that I’m not alone in working best with other people around. This is actually a studying technique and is known as Body Doubling.
What is Body Doubling?
According to the Attention Deficit Disorder Association (ADDA), body doubling is “The methodology of ADHD body doubling is a productivity strategy used by individuals with ADHD to finish possibly annoying jobs while having another person beside them. This person is the body double. The body double’s duty is to keep the individual with ADHD focused on the task at hand to reduce potential distractions and increase motivation.” You don’t have to be neurodivergent to benefit from this strategy! Do you ever just video chat with your friend as you’re doing parallel tasks just to have someone there? You might just be body doubling!
I like to think of this as having accountability partners. Whether they’re close friends or complete strangers, their presence provides a unique sense of support. There’s something powerful about simply being around others; it can completely shift your mood and give your motivation the boost it needs. Think about creating strong study habits for yourself, and a great resource on campus to learn other techniques is Success Coaching, where you can have personal 1:1 coaching appointments to discuss what works best for you! Additionally, if you require any specific accommodations, be sure you’re connecting with Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD).
