Tasks that work well
Body doubling is best for the boring, the avoided and the vaguely scary.
- Paperwork and forms. Taxes, insurance claims, applications. Spread the papers out before the session starts.
- Email and message backlogs. Set a number ("ten replies") rather than "inbox zero".
- Tidying and laundry. Works well on a video call with the phone propped up; your double sees the room change.
- Study and revision. Classic library-style doubling. Swap topics at check-ins to keep it fresh.
- Creative work. Writing, drawing and practice sessions: the double keeps you in the chair.
- Phone calls you're dreading. Make the call during the session and tell your double when it's done.
Less suited
Tasks that need deep, open-ended thinking for hours, or ones where you need to talk a lot (like long meetings), are harder to do alongside someone else. Use doubling for the start, then carry on alone.