If you’re having trouble staying focused at work, you might benefit from a technique called “body doubling” where you work alongside someone else, either in person or even virtually. Here’s how to get started. Block off time for you and a colleague (or colleagues) to work simultaneously. You don’t have to be working on the same task. In fact, you don’t even need to be working on anything related at all. The idea is simply to work alongside a peer, at the same time. Next, establish some guidelines to make this a positive experience for everyone. Consider: Is it OK to ask one another for advice, help, resources, or even a pep-talk if needed? Should you mention when you notice your peer losing focus? When will there be breaks? Are you working silently or is polite chatting permitted? Before you begin your session, share what you each intend to accomplish and how you hope to feel by the end of the time block. Then, at the end of the session, share what you accomplished, what went well, and what didn’t. Finally, thank each other for being present, and decide if and when to do this again.
To Stay Focused, Work Alongside Someone Else