Last month I didn’t exactly read One Bad Mother: A Mother’s Search for Meaning in the Police Academy by Megan Williams — let’s be honest, I listened to it while catching up on dishes, folding tiny laundry, and trying to stay awake during nap time. The book’s honesty, grit, and hilarious storytelling felt like a love letter to every overwhelmed mom searching for herself again. Megan’s journey navigating pressures of twin parenthood while applying to the Police Academy reminded me just how easy it is to lose ourselves in caregiving — and how powerful it can be to reclaim even a sliver of space for you.

Each April, we celebrate National Multiple Birth Awareness Month, and this year, Multiples of America announced a theme that couldn’t feel more fitting: “It’s a Balancing Act: Mental Well-Being for Parents of Multiples.” Raising more than one baby at a time multiplies everything—including the mental load. And since you can’t pour from an empty cup, it’s essential to find those little moments that help you reset. Just 15 minutes can make a difference.

This month, I encourage you to take 15 minutes of YOU time—go for a walk, listen to a chapter, sip a hot coffee, or do whatever helps you feel more like yourself.

To help you get started, I pulled together some self-care ideas below—as always, complete with handy Amazon affiliate links that earn DuPage Doubles a small commission (at no extra cost to you) when you shop. It’s an easy way to treat yourself and support your club.

1. Staying hydrated has so many benefits, and it is so easy! Keep a tumbler on your bed stand to make it easy to wake up and start your day with a glass of water
2. Take a walk outside and be mindful of nature around you
3. Do a full body stretch or quick yoga flow 
4. Meditate or just sit still and reflect. Need inspiration? Check out Self Care Reflection cards for prompts to ponder
5. Take a power nap
6. Set up a cozy corner—blanket, candle, book, tea
7. Read or listen to a book. Need a suggestion? One Bad Mother: A Mother’s Search for Meaning in the Police Academy by Megan Williams or read with DuPage Doubles pick Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
8. Enjoy a hot beverage
9. Do a relaxing face mask or foot mask
10. Color to unwind
11. Take a hot shower. Elevate it even more with aromatherapy shower steamers 
12. Get a spring haul of your favorite skincare products. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream is one of my favorites
13. Set up a mini-DIY spa night with some bath bombs, body scrub, and a hair mask
14. Journal or write down some grateful notes for the day. Do it in style with a beautiful notebook
15. Declutter one drawer or surface
16. Dance in your kitchen to your favorite song. You can try Amazon Music Unlimited for free 
17. Work on a jigsaw puzzle
18. Set a timer and just be still for 15 minutes
19. Call or message a friend who gets it. Even better, come to one of the DuPage Doubles member events!
20. Post your self-care photo to the Multiples of America Members Only Facebook group for the 15 Minutes of YOU Time Snapshot Challenge for a chance to win a prize!

You’re doing something extraordinary—raising multiple humans at once. That’s why your mental health, joy, and well-being matter more than ever. Even 15 minutes of YOU time can help shift your mood and restore your energy. You’re not alone, and you’re doing great.

Happy Multiple Birth Awareness Month from our family to yours.

—--------

About the Author:

Natalia is a mom of 18-month-old fraternal twin boys. She has been a member of DuPage Doubles since 2023. She enjoys traveling with her husband, wellness, spending time with her family and talking about her kids.