How Body Doubling Helps Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs Stay Focused and Productive
Staying productive can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially for neurodiverse individuals who experience challenges with focus, motivation, or task initiation. Many people describe a sense of mental clutter that makes even simple tasks feel heavy to start. It is not a lack of ability or intelligence, but rather how the brain manages attention, energy and structure. One approach that has become increasingly popular among neurodiverse business owners is body doubling - a simple yet powerful technique that transforms the way you work.
Body doubling is the practice of working alongside someone else, either in person or virtually, to stay focused on your tasks. The idea is not that the other person helps you with the work itself, but that their presence creates a sense of accountability and calm structure. Knowing that someone else is present, even silently, helps many people stay anchored in the moment and resist distractions. It can be as effective in a shared office as it is through a video call - what matters most is the shared commitment to stay focused.
For many neurodiverse individuals, motivation can come and go in waves. You might sit down to start a project and find your attention pulled elsewhere within minutes, even when you genuinely want to make progress. This is where body doubling becomes so effective. When another person is present, your attention naturally becomes more stable. You feel less alone in your work, and the sense of shared purpose can help your brain transition into “focus mode” more easily.
It is also incredibly helpful for tackling the tasks that you tend to put off - admin, emails, reports, or anything that feels overwhelming. Having someone else there creates a gentle external pressure to begin, and once you start, the momentum often carries you through. For many business owners, that initial start is the hardest part. Body doubling helps bridge that gap, replacing procrastination with quiet, supported action.
The benefits go beyond focus and accountability. Many people find that body doubling helps reduce anxiety, particularly around big or unfamiliar projects. The presence of another person provides reassurance that you are not facing things alone, which can make stressful tasks feel more manageable. It can also bring a sense of community to what is often solitary work, helping business owners feel seen and supported.
A productive body doubling session usually begins with a brief check-in. You might share what you plan to work on and how long you intend to focus. Then, during the session, both people simply work quietly on their own tasks. Sometimes there is a quick chat halfway through or a short reflection at the end to celebrate progress. These small moments of accountability can have a surprisingly powerful effect on motivation and confidence.
What makes body doubling so effective is that it creates structure without pressure. It helps build consistency, which is especially valuable for entrepreneurs managing multiple projects or fluctuating energy levels. Over time, the habit of showing up for body doubling sessions can even train your brain to enter a focused state more easily - a bit like developing a muscle for attention.
At Admin and More, we recognise how valuable body doubling can be for neurodiverse business owners. Our Neurodiversity Support Services include structured body doubling sessions designed to help you stay productive, reduce overwhelm and maintain momentum in your work. We provide a calm, supportive environment where you can focus, make progress and feel genuinely accomplished by the end of each session.
