So why does the trend of working surrounded by others remain continuously popular? Thairath Plus invites you to learn about another technique that helps boost focus and efficiency for many, especially those with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Psychologically, this behavior is called Body Doubling—a technique that helps increase concentration and motivation by working or doing activities ‘with others around or alongside others,’ whether in the same space like cafes, coffee shops, libraries, or through online channels such as video calls and various platforms. Simply seeing faces or sensing others’ presence is enough.
The Body Doubling technique actually involves being in a space or with people who share ‘the same goal’ or have a common purpose with us. It may not be exactly the same goal, such as opening a video call with close friends and silently working individually. Even though you’re not doing the same tasks, you’re both working and experiencing similar fatigue. More importantly, you can sense each other’s presence in the same time and space.
Or even going out to sit and work in a coffee shop or library, which may seem like quiet spaces, but we still want to be surrounded by people. Each person is responsible for their own work or the task in front of them. Even without connecting, chatting, or collaborating, simply being aware of others’ presence makes us feel warmer and more comfortable.
Having a companion who shares your fatigue helps reduce feelings of loneliness and automatically increases motivation to work. Especially for people with ADHD, being in a space where you share fatigue or are with others who have the same goal makes it easier to start and engage in tasks.
This contrasts with an office work atmosphere, where we often bear more pressure than usual, as if every glance watches our every move while we work, which can easily trigger stress.
Similarly, working from home can reduce work motivation for some due to the environment and mindset shift from bedroom to workspace. Many therefore choose to work outside at cafes, bookstores, or co-working spaces that better meet their needs.
Research data from an article in FLOWN followed 117 adults with ADHD over 12 weeks and found that those using the Body Doubling technique doubled their focus time. Originally, over 81% of participants couldn’t focus for more than 30 minutes; afterward, 52% were able to work continuously for over 60 minutes. Additionally, average anxiety levels dropped by about 30%.
This aligns with research on children with ADHD showing that playing soft white noise (about 45 decibels) improves memory, focus, and attention during tests. The explanation is that gentle sound stimulates the brain at an optimal level, enhancing concentration and work efficiency.
Moreover, a recent 2025 study by Ara et al. found that participants completed work faster, with higher efficiency and more than double the concentration when working with others or even with AI companions, compared to working alone.
Because having others in the same space stimulates social awareness and reduces feelings of loneliness that can make tasks seem overwhelming. Tasks appear easier with others present (who are not scrutinizing us), which increases our motivation to start working.
At the same time, people can pass on calmness through demeanor, atmosphere, or simply being near someone focused and intent on working. This creates a positive environment and safe space, reducing anxiety and resistance to work, especially for those with ADHD.
Certainly, no technique or tool is best or suitable for everyone. According to Gretchen Rubin’s The Four Tendencies framework, expectations come in two types: external, such as deadlines or requests from supervisors, and internal, like self-set goals and promises. People naturally respond differently to ‘the gaze and pressure from others.’
The Body Doubling technique may suit those who respond better to external expectations or who follow others’ expectations more than their own. Whenever others sit with them, the presence or gaze of others becomes a good motivator encouraging focus and task completion.
Conversely, for people who dislike following either external or internal expectations, or who value freedom and dislike social constraints, having someone sit beside them—even silently—can trigger feelings of being scrutinized or watched, which may negatively affect their work.
Furthermore, for those with social anxiety, having others present can make the work environment more stressful and increase anxiety, as the atmosphere may provoke worry and suspicion more than working alone.
Therefore, when choosing to use Body Doubling, it is important to understand your own work nature. If a particular work style causes discomfort and impacts performance, simply adjust your work approach to feel more comfortable. Efficient work means working in ways that make you feel safe, relaxed, and ready to engage.
Ultimately, Body Doubling may help humans connect with each other, but above all, accepting that we don’t have to fight inner turmoil and loneliness alone can help us regain focus and improve work efficiency.