Let’s be honest: being a mom is no joke.
It’s both magical and chaotic. Full of laughs and meltdowns (sometimes mine, not theirs!), endless diapers, double feedings, double the cuddles (for us moms of twins)— and triple the exhaustion. Some days I feel like I’m on cloud 9. Other days I feel like I can barely keep my head on straight.
What I’ve learned over the last couple of years of being a twin mom is that self-care isn’t a luxury — it’s basically survival.
When I’m running on empty, I feel like everything seems harder. I snap more easily, feel way more overwhelmed and overstimulated, and it’s way too easy to lose myself in the never-ending mundane daily tasks.
But here’s the thing: you cannot pour from an empty cup. And I know that sounds cliché, I just rolled my eyes at myself- but it’s true. Our kids need us at our best — or at least semi-functional — and that means taking care of ourselves, too.
So I wanted to share a few real-life, doable ways I’ve found to practice self-care — even in the chaos of twin motherhood.
1. Drink All the Water
I never understood when people said they didn’t have time to drink water… until I had kids. When I stopped actually paying attention to my water intake- I realized I was really only surviving on caffeine.
Drinking enough water makes a huge difference in my mood, energy, and even my patience level. When I’m dehydrated, I get cranky, foggy, and sluggish.
I keep a clear water bottle around me at all times so I can physically see how much water I’m drinking. I know I have to fill the bottle up at least 3 times during the day to hit a good water intake.
If water isn’t your thing, you can add fruit to it to spice things up. The electrolyte packs are also helpful (watch the sugar and dye intake) if you don’t like the taste of plain water or just need to switch things up.
2. Find One Hour Per Day That’s Just Yours
This one took time to figure out, but it’s now non-negotiable.
I give myself at least one hour a day that’s just for me. Not cleaning. Not catching up on dishes. Not folding laundry. Just ME.
I personally wake up every day at 6am. (Don’t cringe at me- I’m a morning person) This gives me a full hour to have my morning coffee and sit in silence (and watch TikTok) before I start work (from home) and the kids wake up.
Mornings work best for me because I use the time after the kids go to sleep to hang out with my partner and catch up on some “us” time.
Don’t feel like you have to “do” anything productive during that time. In fact, that’s kinda the point — to not be productive.
Scheduling just one hour during the day just for yourself can do wonders for your overall health. If you’re not a morning person, you can try for during their nap time, or when the kids go to sleep. If you have help with childcare- try scheduling in your hour while they’re being looked after.
3. Get Outside (Even Just for a Walk Around the Block)
I was a fresh air type of girl even before I had kids. And then when I was pregnant I kept reading all about how getting outside can benefit not only the babies, but the moms as well. I remember thinking to myself how easy and great it would be to just sit outside with my newborn twins.
While I still got outside almost every day, it wasn’t easy. Between the newborn sleepiness, crying, feeding, pumping, getting the three of us up and ready just to step outside- it was a lot.
Fresh air and sunlight have this magical way of resetting your nervous system. I would put the twins in the stroller or carrier, grab some water, and go for a walk. Some days we lasted 10 min. Some days we lasted 30.
Walking and being outside helps me clear my head, process thoughts, and sometimes it’s the only movement my body gets all day. I don’t treat it like exercise; I treat it like therapy.
4. Yes, You Deserve to Shower Daily
This might sound basic, but hear me out: showering daily is a form of self-respect.
I made showering a non-negotiable when my twins were newborns. Showering helps me feel human again. It heals my body with the hot water, and gives a few minutes of alone time.
There were showers that were quiet and long, and there were showers that were quick rinses because the babies would start crying.
Either way- a simple shower every day can help change everything!
5. Stop Waiting for Big Moments to Take Care of Yourself
One of the biggest shifts I had to make as a new mom- was letting go of the idea that self-care had to be a whole “thing.” A girls’ trip, a full night off, big vacation. Those things are amazing, and I absolutely say yes to them when I can. But everyday self-care? It’s in the small stuff.
It’s in choosing to make yourself a quick meal instead of finishing your toddler’s leftovers.
It’s in saying no to one more episode of Paw Patrol and yes to 10 minutes of stretching.
It’s in putting on a real bra (sometimes), lighting a candle while the kids nap, or texting a friend just to say “hi, I’m still alive.”
Self-care isn’t always pretty. Sometimes it’s letting the laundry pile up so you can sit down. Sometimes it’s asking for help — or saying, “I need a break.”
And sometimes it’s deciding that your needs matter, too.
New Moms: I see you.
You’re doing a lot of work, giving a lot of love, and a whole lot of effort- But your well-being matters. Your body, your mind, and your heart need tending to, just like your babies do.
So drink the water. Take the walk. Claim the hour. Shower every dang day.
Not because it’s easy, but because you deserve to feel good in your own skin, even in the middle of the mess.
Your babies can’t be good unless you’re good. So take care of yourself!
