Why Body Doubling Works (And Why Some Writers Thrive Because of It)

For years, I thought I was strange. (And I may be, but that's a different blog...)

Anytime I feel overwhelmed by a task, I shut down. I deprioritize it, ignore it, or make half-assed attempts at it. But if someone hangs out with me while I'm doing it, I can whip through it and get it done in record time.

Now when it comes to my writing, I'm very fluid. I can focus beautifully when I'm alone, especially if I give myself protected time. I can also thrive in a shared space of other writers that keeps me from getting distracted by the world.

So, I spent a lot of time wondering: Am I a "social" writer or a "solo" writer? It turns out, I was asking the wrong question. It isn't about being one or the other—it’s about understanding that different days, and different tasks, simply require different containers.

Then I discovered the concept of body doubling.

Body doubling is the practice of working in the presence of another person—or a group of people—not because they're actively helping you, but because their presence helps you remain focused and engaged.

And no, it's not a buzzword; it's a natural, documented phenomenon.

Why Does Body Doubling Work?

Humans are social creatures. For some people, isolation creates friction.

Not because they lack discipline, but because their brains respond differently to shared energy and gentle accountability.

The mere awareness that someone else is working alongside them can:

• improve concentration

• reduce procrastination

• quiet mental chatter

• lower anxiety around starting

• create a sense of momentum

Sometimes the hardest part of writing isn't writing. It's starting.

Body doubling makes beginning easier.

Who Benefits Most?

While anyone can benefit from body doubling, I've noticed that it seems particularly helpful for:

• people with ADHD or executive function challenges

• highly creative minds that struggle with structure

• writers who feel isolated

• chronic overthinkers

• perfectionists

• people returning to writing after a long absence

• those who simply work better with quiet companionship

And perhaps most importantly…

People who are tired of trying to do everything alone.

Body Doubling Isn't Critique

This is an important distinction.

Body doubling isn't a workshop. It's not a critique group. Nobody is hovering over your shoulder. Nobody is waiting to judge your word count.

It's simply the comfort of knowing:

"I'm writing, and somewhere out there, someone else is writing too."

Separately.

But together.

Why I Created The Writing Room

After years of coaching writers and being one myself, I realized that many people don't need another course. They don't need another craft book. They don't need more pressure.

Sometimes they simply need a space to show up.

That's why I created The Writing Room.

Every Saturday, writers gather for one quiet hour. Cameras are optional. Microphones stay off. An optional prompt is available, but you're free to work on whatever project calls to you.

Because sometimes the greatest gift we can give ourselves is permission to stop trying to do this alone.

The Writing Room is open every Saturday at 11 AM CST for one hour of protected writing time. Turn your camera off if you're uncomfortable writing on screen. I'll keep mine on so you have a body double in your corner. We're keeping it simple. Just writers writing. Separately. But together.

Join The Writing Room and protect your weekly writing hour for only $5 a month. (Yeah, that's only $1.25 a week; it's not about the cost, it's about the commitment.)

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