Body doubling is a productivity and focus strategy where a person works alongside someone else—either in person or virtually—to help them stay on task. The “body double” doesn’t need to participate in the task; rather their calm, non-judgmental presence serves as a form of gentle accountability.
Many neurodivergent students find it overwhelming to start new tasks or projects, even when they really want to get things done. Body doubling can help break that cycle, by reducing feelings of overwhelm or isolation and creating a sense of low-pressure accountability.
It works especially well for tasks that feel boring, stressful, or hard to start, and it’s not just for people who are neurodivergent. Anyone can use this strategy when focus is hard to find.
Students use body doubling for all kinds of reasons—and it’s not just about study. You might find it helpful for:
Wednesdays, 2-5pm
Sessions are run both in-person at Joondalup (JO31.316) and simultaneously online via Microsoft TEAMs.
Learning Adviser drop-ins commence from Week 3 and alternate between Joondalup and online.
Sessions are hosted by Neurodivergent Peer Mentors who also deliver tailored workshops on topics and strategies relating to the shared experiences of neurodivergent students.
Learning Advisers are available for drop-in sessions (6x 10-minute appointments), alternating between in-person appointments at Joondalup or online. See schedule below for more detail. Learning Advisers will also host guest workshops throughout semester.
Each week the Body Doubling session starts with a micro (15-20 minute) workshop based around a theme to help organise, motivate and support students. This is followed by focused study time and the opportunity to attend a Learning Adviser drop-in appointment.
Varying where you study can also help you figure out what environments support your focus best. If the library is one of your go-to spots, checking out our weekly body doubling sessions is worth a try—and connecting with a Learning Adviser is always a smart move for your learning.
Students who are registered for Body Doubling will receive an email one week prior with the option to book one of 6 available Learning Adviser appointments. Appointments will be held in a separate room at Joondalup, or in a TEAMs breakout room online. Please refer to the Academic Skills @ ECU page for guidance on how to prepare for a drop-in session.
Week | Workshop Topic | Learning Adviser Drop-Ins |
|---|---|---|
| Orientation Week 1: 16 July | Learning Styles: What type of learner are you? How best to study according to your learning style. | No drop-in |
| Orientation Week 2: 23 July | Planning Your Semester: Different methods, tools and resources to help you plan for your semester. | No drop-in |
| Week 1: 30 July | Uni Tool Kit: Design a tool kit tailored to your needs to help support you holistically during your study period. | No drop-in |
| Week 2: 6 August | Ai Tools: Enhance your reading – Find ways to convert your readings into summaries, podcasts and mind maps. | No drop-in |
| Week 3: 13 August | Guest Learning Adviser Workshop: Time Management & Planners. | Joondalup |
| Week 4: 20 August | Energy check-in: What kind of tired are you? Working with what you have. | Online |
| Week 5: 27 August | Guest Learning Adviser Workshop: Understanding your assignment and the writing process. | Joondalup |
| Week 6: 3 September | Perfectionism, Paralysis and Procrastination: Strategies, reframing thoughts. | Online |
| Week 7: 10 September | Guest Learning Adviser Workshop: Academic writing– paragraph structure. | Joondalup |
| Week 8: 17 September | Help – I’m Overwhelmed: Managing academic stress. | Online |
| Week 9: 24 September | Guest Learning Adviser Workshop: Editing and proofreading. | Joondalup |
| Semester Break: 1 October | Sensory Considerations: Sensory friendly habits and settings for study. | Online |
| Week 10: 8 October | Guest Learning Adviser Workshop: Open Q&A Session. | Joondalup |
| Week 11: 15 October | Reset Your Mind: Mindfulness, self-care, reset, pockets of joy. | Online |
| Week 12: 22 October | Guest Learning Adviser Workshop: Understanding feedback. | Joondalup |
| Week 13: 29 October | Revision Tools. | Online |
| Study Week: 5 November | Guest Learning Adviser Workshop: Exam preparation. | Joondalup |
| Exams: 12 November | No Workshop (Focus Time Only). | No drop-in |
| Exams: 19 November | No Workshop (Focus Time Only). | No drop-in |
Anyone can sign up for the Body Doubling Sessions by completing this Microsoft form.
Registered students will receive a weekly reminder email with a link to book an optional Learning Adviser drop-in appointment for that week. Remaining appointments will be offered to students on the day.