Motherhood, Friendship & Ice Cold Water:
A Surprising Recipe for Joy
Since January, I’ve been doing weekly ice baths. Yes, in the Atlantic Ocean. Yes, in winter. And yes, in West Norway—where the water is cold, the wind is biting, and the darkness lasts for months.
And you know what? I love it.
It all started as a playful idea with a friend. One of those “Wouldn’t it be fun if we…?” kind of thoughts that usually fade away after a cup of tea. But this one stuck. We made a commitment in December to try weekly ocean dips, and I’ll admit—I didn’t expect it to last. But here we are, months later, still going strong.
So why am I sharing this?
Because this little ritual—standing barefoot on frosty sand, breathing deeply, stepping into water that feels like knives, and coming out feeling alive—has become something much deeper than just a quirky habit. It’s a practice that’s supporting my nervous system, strengthening my friendships, giving me space from the beautiful chaos of motherhood, and reminding me that joy can be found in the most unexpected places.
Our spot to jump into the Atlantic ocean
The Ice Bath Itself: More Than Just a Trend
Let’s talk about what actually happens in that cold water.
At first, my body panics. It tightens, resists, screams, get out. But I stay. I breathe. I drop into presence.
It’s not dramatic or performative. We don’t take selfies. We don’t chat. We just breathe. Slowly. Deeply. And something beautiful happens: the panic gives way to peace. My whole system slows down, softens. It’s almost meditative.
Cold exposure like this has real, science-backed benefits:
✨ It reduces inflammation
✨ Boosts circulation
✨ Triggers a natural release of dopamine and endorphins—our feel-good hormones
✨ And most importantly for me, it teaches the nervous system to adapt to stress in a healthier way
As a mom, that last one is gold. I’m still not getting full nights of sleep. I’m with my kids almost 24/7 as a homeschooling stay-at-home mom. Life is beautiful, but it’s intense. Ice bathing has become a way to recalibrate. To regulate. To come back to myself.
A Habit Built in Friendship
Another unexpected gift? Connection.
Friendships in motherhood often get pushed to the edges. We’re busy. We’re tired. We prioritize everything and everyone else first. But this weekly ocean plunge has become a sacred ritual of friendship. Just the two of us, showing up. No matter the weather. No matter how chaotic our lives feel.
We don’t always talk much, but the presence speaks louder than words. It’s accountability. It’s love. It’s sisterhood.
A Break from Motherhood (Yes, That’s Allowed)
Let’s be honest—I love my children deeply. But I also need space. And I’m guessing you do, too.
This ritual gives me a pocket of time that is just mine. Not for the kids. Not for productivity. Not for a to-do list. Just for me. Even if it’s short, even if it’s cold—it’s mine. And there’s something incredibly nourishing about that.
From Quick Dips to Deep Stillness
In the beginning, we were in and out in seconds. The water felt unbearable. We’d scream, laugh, run.
But slowly, we stretched it.
20 seconds.
Then 60.
Now we stay 90 to 120 seconds—and even dunk our heads under.
Each week, I feel more grounded. More capable. More at home in my body. And every time I miss a week, I feel the difference. Like my system is craving that reset.
Honestly? It reminds me of giving birth.
That intensity. The breathing. The surrender. The trust.
It’s not comfortable, but it’s deeply transformative.
Why This Matters—And Why I’m Really Sharing It
So much of the advice for mothers is about being productive. Eat better. Move more. Get organized. Do more.
But what if your next habit wasn’t about doing more—but about feeling more?
More joy.
More fun.
More you.
This weekly dip in the Atlantic is my way of carving out joy. It’s not a chore. It’s a pleasure. It’s a little wild and a little rebellious and completely soul-nourishing.
And I want that for you, too.
Not necessarily an ice bath (though I dare you to try 😉), but something just for you. Something small and consistent that brings you joy. That reconnects you with your body, your breath, your being.
Maybe it’s a walk in nature.
Maybe it’s joining a book club.
Maybe it’s dancing in your kitchen every morning.
Whatever it is—let it be yours. Let it be light. Let it be fun. Let it be sacred.
Final Thought: A Reminder You Can Do Hard Things
This little weekly ritual that started as a fun challenge has turned into something that nourishes my body, mind, and soul.
It’s a reminder, again and again, that I can do hard things.
I can step into discomfort, and find peace.
I can feel the cold, and still find joy.
I can take time for myself, and come back to my family more whole.
So, dear mama, what’s one small habit you can start that’s just for you?
Let it be enough. Let it matter. Let it make you feel wildly alive.
With love, from one wildly rooted Mama to another—keep growing and glowing.
Cathleen
If this post resonated with you, I’d love it if you hit follow on the podcast, left a review, or shared it with a friend. And if you’re craving more support and inspiration on your motherhood journey, just contact me.
You deserve joy. You deserve breath. You deserve you.
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