Is there a way to stay productive without feeling so lonely?
When we think of productivity, we usually think of things like “focus” and “discipline.” Productivity means nose to the grindstone and hunkering down and working alone.
But all this hard work and sacrifice also sets us up for long stretches of solitude. Maybe it’s training for a marathon or working on a manuscript or trying to finish a big work project. We know focus is essential when you’re trying to get some work done. But how do you motivate yourself when you’re the only person in the room? How do you talk through your challenges or celebrate your wins when there’s no one else to share them with?
We shouldn’t have to force ourselves into isolation just to get things done. Human beings are social creatures, and we need to be around other people. Social connection boosts our health and happiness, and it even makes us more productive in the long run.
So then, how do we work on our tasks with other people around? And how do we do so without getting distracted?
Whether you work remotely or you’re working on a big project, you can still find ways to make your productivity feel like a collaborative effort. Keep reading below to learn about our favorite techniques and strategies for doing good work while also enjoying the company of others.
Stay productive with body doubling
Body doubling might conjure images of clones and futuristic labs, but it’s actually a very popular and practical productivity technique.
Basically, body doubling is when you work on a task while someone else is in the room with you. The other person doesn’t necessarily have to be working on the same task as you—they can be reading, or doing their own work quietly—but their mere presence can help you stay focused and productive. Body doubling evokes that childhood experience of playing with your toys or working on your homework, while a parent or adult figure was quietly in the room with you. Their calming and protective presence helps you settle down, and get to work.
Body doubling has been shown to be effective for people with ADHD, and it can also be helpful for people who are struggling with procrastination.
Here’s how to do it:
Ask a friend to join you at home or someplace quiet. Tell them what you’re working on so that you can hold yourself accountable. And agree upon a set time to complete your work.
Be social and productive with a writer’s group
If you’re a writer, you know just how lonely it can be facing a blank page. And if you’re trying to finish a big project like a thesis or a novel, then it feels even more challenging trying to stay motivated for the long haul.
Writing is a solitary endeavor, but it doesn't have to be. You can still find ways to make it feel like a group activity.
Here’s how to do it:
Form a writer’s group. With a writer’s group, you’ll get to exchange feedback and hear other perspectives that are not your own. Don't have the energy or resources to start your own group? Then ask around and see if anyone is looking to add a new member to their writer’s group.
Take a class. Another way to have the camaraderie and fellowship of a writer’s group is to sign up for a class. You’ll get feedback on your work, meet other people in the writing community, while also getting some built-in deadlines for your work.
Tackle your to-do list with a friend
You have a million things on your to-do list but you also want to spend some quality time with a friend. Why not combine the two?
Making plans with friends has turned into its own type of task. All the scheduling and the logistics and trying to make a reservation at a bar or a restaurant. Suddenly, that thing you were looking forward to is feeling more like a chore. Why not take the stress out of planning by doing something low-key, like running errands together?
Going grocery shopping with a friend may not sound glamorous or exciting, but that’s exactly the point. It’s a shared activity in which the both of you actually get a chance to chat and catch up. Plus, you have something external, like the items in a grocery store, to comment on and chat about. This is different from when you’re sitting down, face to face, at a bar or a restaurant, where the conversation may feel forced or formal. But when you’re out and about, your conversation is free flowing. And, in a way, doing something mundane like running errands may deepen your connection with your friend.
Sometimes it’s the boring, everyday activities that can make an experience feel much more personal. And having a friend along will make your tasks that much easier to accomplish.
Go to a WFH spot that’s not a coffee shop
We already know that coffee shops are the go-to spots for freelancers and remote workers. You get a change of scenery while also getting the benefit of being around other people. But if you’re tired of your local coffee shop there are other fun options for WFH spots.
Museum cafes. If you love the bright and airy aesthetic of a coffee shop but are looking for something new, then try a museum cafe. You can usually patronize a museum cafe without having to buy an entry ticket, and the ambience is likely to be stylish and inviting.
Hotel lobby. You don’t have to be a guest to enjoy the amenities of a hotel lobby. Look for a hotel nearby that’s popular with business travelers. You’ll likely find strong WiFi and a hidden corner where you can work on your laptop.
Bookstore cafes. Bookstore cafes are so cozy and welcoming, and they provide a sense of community. And when you’re done with your work, you can browse for books, or stick around an author talk.
Written by Jiji Lee