For Singapore-based artist Teresa Lim, life runs on parallel tracks. There’s the creative one—where she sketches, embroiders, and experiments with new materials—and the domestic one, where she’s a mother managing a home, a family calendar, and the daily chaos that comes with it. Balancing both roles takes more than discipline. It takes a system—and a bit of tech.
“Honestly, my schedule can be all over the place,” she says. “I work from home, so the lines between work and parenting blur easily. I needed something that helps me stay on top of everything — without being glued to my phone.”
Digital tools play a key role in how Lim structures her day—helping her stay focused, carve out creative time, and remain present with her family. Among them, the Apple Watch has become a quiet but essential companion. More than just a fitness tracker or notification tool, it’s how she keeps her personal and professional worlds running in sync.
“My Apple Watch has become an extension of my life; it’s like my discreet yet powerful assistant in navigating the chaotic demands of being a designer and a work from home parent,” she shares. “It helps me stay connected without being glued to my phone—which means I can be responsive to work and still fully present with my kids.”
We asked Lim to share the digital habits that help her stay grounded—and get things done.
Here’s how she does it with her Apple Watch:
Set reminders for everything
“I call it my external brain. I use reminders every day for both work and family—from deadlines and work tasks to grocery runs and school-related to-dos. It helps lighten the mental load, and having these pop up on my wrist ensures I don’t miss anything.”
Time your deep work sessions
“To stay focused, I structure my creative time using the Pomodoro technique — 25-minute sprints with breaks in between. If I don’t do this, the day just disappears. Having a timer running keeps me accountable.”
Use the same tools for parenting
“Timers are huge in our household. I use them for my own work sprints, but also to manage my kids’ screen time or to make sure they brush their teeth properly. They’ve come to rely on them just as much.”
Build movement into your day
“Starting from January this year, my goal is 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. It’s not just about fitness—it’s about staying sharp mentally. Closing my rings gives me a small sense of achievement that fuels the rest of the day.”
Protect your focus
“I’ve created a ‘Creative’ Focus Mode that blocks out everything except urgent calls from family. It’s how I protect my headspace when I’m designing. Distraction is the fastest way to kill momentum.”
Take one-minute breathers when things get overwhelming
“I sometimes use the Mindfulness app for short breathing exercises before diving into a complex problem or if I feel overwhelmed. A quick minute of focused breathing can clear my head and help me enter a more creative state.”
Avoid the phone spiral
“Quick replies let me acknowledge a message without getting sucked into my phone. I can scan, dismiss, and move on. That mental clarity is everything.”
Let Siri handle the little stuff
“I use Siri all the time — setting timers, checking reminders, adjusting the volume on my AirPods. It sounds small, but it adds up.”
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