When I first heard the term "body doubling," thoughts of cloning and similar science fiction came into my head. However, body doubling refers to completing a task alongside another person. Often these tasks are somewhat daunting. For example, as a reluctant runner, I've found that running with a friend or group is more appealing than on your own. However, as I read more about this concept and how it supports individuals with ADHD, I realized that this term is an excellent descriptor of my work.
As a home organizer and a body double, I provide support and individualized accountability as my clients approach the "DOOM" boxes or bags cluttering their homes. Although DOOM stands for Didn't Organize, Only Moved, the term recognizes the emotional weight and reluctance felt when approaching the task of going through these boxes and bags. Having support and positive feedback is helpful when decluttering a DOOM box. I remind clients of their prior successes and talk them through the DOOM bag to reduce guilt and feelings of shame.
Body doubling has provided many neurodivergent individuals with an accountability partner. As a home organizer specializing in services for those with ADHD/ADD, my services take body doubling even further. For example:
Virtual/online sessions start with a guided visualization that anchors/focuses clients in the present moment.
Provides anxiety and stress reduction
We discuss goals for Organizing, which helps clients to prioritize.
Goal setting addresses the executive function impairment of "activation" commonly experienced in ADHD.
As an organizer and body double, my presence sustains focus by reducing mental blocks and guiding clients to start and finish Organizing.
Sustaining focus is a typical executive function impairment experienced with ADHD.
My counseling skills will help clients to manage frustrations and process emotional responses.
Clients benefit from the memory of two people. I jog clients' memory of where they put something or remind them what they want to tidy/organize next.
Unlike a group body doubling session, I'm focused on clients' goals and offer individualized support so they can finish Organizing.
Rather than prescribed breaks, such as the 15-minute Pomodoro and 5-minute pause, breaks are suggested based on clients' energy levels.
My clients and I discuss items, and I serve as a sounding board so clients' don't impulsively let go of something.
Mental blocks will arise when organizing. I reduce those and anticipate distractions.
Most importantly, I want my clients to build a habit and learn new skills they can return to with or without me. Positive feedback is an essential aspect of any learning process. Virtual Organizing provides not just a body double but a motivational coach. I believe my clients can and will be tidy and help them identify the unique strengths that will keep them going.
Important Points:
Virtual Organizing/Tidying is a form of body doubling.
An expert decluttering partner (Master Level KonMari Organizer with M.S. in Clinical Psychology) provides individualized support.
The session is a "setting event" that will help those with ADHD take the task of organizing from start to finish.
Approach DOOM boxes/bags with support and recognition of emotional resistance and dread.
Reduce distractions with a focused zoom session
Augment your memory and help you to keep organizing
Virtual Organizing supports clients as they process emotional responses and manage frustrations.
References:
Ables, K. (2022, June 6). 'body doubling,' an ADHD productivity tool, is flourishing online. The Washington Post. Retrieved June 13, 2022, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2022/06/01/virtual-body-doubling-productivity-tiktok/
Jeret, A. (2022, March 10). Why people on Tiktok are calling out 'doom boxes' as a sign of ADHD. YourTango. Retrieved June 13, 2022, from https://www.yourtango.com/self/doom-boxes-adhd
Rohde, L. A., Buitelaar, J. K., Gerlach, M., & Faraone, S. V. (Eds.). (2019). The World Federation of ADHD Guide - Russellbarkley.org. Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. Retrieved June 13, 2022, from http://russellbarkley.org/factsheets/TheWorldFederationOfAdhdGuide.pdf