Body doubling: focus better with someone beside you

By the Focus98 team · Updated October 8, 2026

Body doubling means working alongside someone else, even if they're doing something different. Knowing someone is there makes it easier to start and to keep going.

What body doubling is

Body doubling, also called parallel working, is a way to start and finish tasks with someone else present: in the same room, on a call, or online. You share what you're about to do, and their presence makes it more likely that you do it. It doesn't need talking, and the other person doesn't need to help: just being there together is enough.

Why it helps

Starting is often the hardest part. A second person adds a little accountability, makes the task feel shared, and turns "I'll do it later" into "we're doing it now". Many people with ADHD say body doubling is one of the things that works best for them, and it helps plenty of people without ADHD too: think of study groups, or writing in a café.

Ways to body double

In person: a friend, a library, a study group.
On a video call: cameras on, mics off, each working on their own thing.
In an app: working through the same session at the same time, which is what Focus Groups do.

Focus Groups in Focus98

Add friends in FocusChat, by their screen name or e-mail address.
Start a Focus Group: everyone works through the same session on their own phone.
Each friend who keeps going adds 25% to everyone's pay, up to seven friends.
Need to step away? Your pause is yours alone, and the group carries on.
The FocusChat leaderboard ranks focus time, among friends or worldwide.

To start a Focus Group

Open FocusChat and choose your screen name (once, for good).
Add a friend by screen name or e-mail.
Open Focus Group and start a session together.

Note Focus98 is a focus tool, not a treatment. Talk to a doctor about ADHD care.

Questions and answers

What is body doubling?

Working alongside another person so their presence helps you start and stay on task. It can be in person or online.

Does body doubling work for ADHD?

Many people with ADHD say it helps them start and finish tasks. It's a habit tool, not a treatment.

Is there a body doubling app with friends?

Focus98's Focus Groups do it with people you know, and pay everyone more for each friend who sticks with it.

Sources

Body doubling, Wikipedia

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