Family, friends, pumpkin pie — there’s a lot to love about Thanksgiving. But let’s be real: For many hosts, by the time everyone goes around the table to share what they’re grateful for, the biggest relief is thinking, “At least the day is almost over.” Between cooking, cleaning, and making sure everything runs smoothly, the stress can quickly take over, making it hard to fully enjoy the holiday.
The pressure to prepare a perfect meal and entertain guests can leave hosts feeling stressed before the appetizers are served. That’s why it’s important to carve out time for yourself — not just the turkey. Staying grounded with simple routines or moments of self-care can help you manage stress and make space to enjoy the people around you.
A great way to do that? A little exercise and relaxation in your Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa by Master Spas. A quick workout and soothing hydrotherapy can reduce stress, boost your energy, and set the tone for a peaceful Thanksgiving.
Holiday stress: How it sneaks in
The holidays may bring joy, but they also come with unexpected stressors. Even the best-laid plans can hit snags. There are last-minute grocery store runs, cooking mishaps, and the chaos of hosting a houseful of guests.
In a Yahoo News/YouGov survey, participants were asked about the pressure they feel around Thanksgiving and gift-giving season. Compared to other times of the year, 43% of women and 32% of men said their stress and anxiety levels increase during the holidays.
“Just having to do the tasks creates additional stress and anxiety, but also I think there is this cultural expectation around perfection and doing it all during this time of year that’s probably not very realistic, but drives a lot of the stress,” Vaile Wright, the American Psychological Association’s senior director of health care innovation, told Yahoo Life.
Smart ways to manage Thanksgiving stress
When your mind and body are overwhelmed, it’s harder to be present with your loved ones. But a little self-care can go a long way. Making time for relaxation and a light workout will help you reset, keeping stress at bay and energy levels high throughout the day.
Kick off the morning with a light workout
Exercise is one of the best ways to reduce holiday stress. When you move your body, you release feel-good hormones called endorphins, which improve your mood and help you feel more in control.
But you don’t have to register for your local turkey trot, which can add even more stress with early start times, crowded parking lots, and the pressure to keep pace with other runners.
A low-impact workout in your swim spa gets your blood flowing without putting stress on your joints, giving you the boost you need to take on the day.
A leisurely swim against the current provides a gentle full-body workout. Water running can elevate your heart rate and shake off tension. Or, you can use the water’s resistance to stretch muscles and improve flexibility.
Unwind with swim spa hydrotherapy
After your workout, take a few moments to relax in the warm water of your swim spa. Hydrotherapy isn’t just great for your muscles; it’s also a powerful way to calm your mind. The combination of warm water and massage jets helps relieve tension, improve circulation, and soothe your nervous system, leaving you refreshed and focused.
As you sit back against the jets, you can focus on your breathing. Slow, steady breaths promote relaxation and help calm your nervous system, reducing tension and stress. This mindful breathing practice not only clears your mind but also helps you stay present, so you can enjoy the holiday moments ahead.
Power up with a quick nap
If you were up early to get the turkey in the oven or manage last-minute prep, a short nap might be exactly what you need to stay on top of your hosting game. Research shows that a nap of 20 to 30 minutes can boost alertness, improve your mood, and enhance cognitive function. Avoid napping longer than 30 minutes to prevent grogginess, and try to nap earlier in the day so it doesn’t interfere with your sleep later on. Even just lying down with your eyes closed for a few moments can help you feel more refreshed, giving you the energy to handle any holiday surprises.
Stay hydrated and fueled for the day ahead
In the rush of preparing a big meal, it’s easy to forget to take care of yourself. Dehydration and hunger can leave you feeling irritable and sluggish — last thing you want when your house is full of guests. Start your day with a glass of water and keep bottled water nearby to remind yourself to sip throughout the day. Aim for healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, cheese, or yogurt to maintain steady energy levels. This way, you’ll avoid the dreaded mid-day crash and feel more balanced when it’s time to gather around the table. Remember: Taking care of yourself ensures you’ll be able to fully enjoy the holiday, not just get through it.
Build no-stress holiday traditions
The holidays can be hectic, but building simple, no-stress traditions can help you stay grounded and enjoy the season. If hosting leaves you feeling overwhelmed, try adding mini-breaks throughout the week. A quick soak in the swim spa, a walk, or mindful breathing sessions can help you reset and prevent holiday burnout before it starts.
You can also plan for a little me-time or low-key fun, which can create excitement outside of the holiday stress. Maybe it’s a Black Friday pedicure with friends, getting takeout food the night before Thanksgiving, or inviting a friend over for a Friday morning walk to decompress after the big day.
Whether it’s a swim spa session, a quiet moment with coffee, or a morning stretch, incorporating self-care activities around the holidays gives you time to recharge. These small traditions not only reduce stress but also help you stay present and enjoy the people and moments that matter most.
Why a swim spa is the ultimate way to manage Thanksgiving stress
Thanksgiving should be about enjoying time with family but the holiday hustle can leave you feeling rushed. You might have all the best intentions to prioritize self-care, yet fitting everything into your schedule can feel nearly impossible.
A Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa, though, offers a convenient way to carve out moments for yourself amid the chaos.
Low-impact water exercise
With a swim spa, you can easily fit in a short workout — even on the busiest days. A 20-minute swim spa workout can help you get your body moving, which improves blood flow, kick-starts your metabolism, reduces stress, and lifts your mood. Michael Phelps Swim Spas feature the WaveXP Pro System, which allows you to adjust the pace of the swim current. Depending on how you feel, you can take it easy or push yourself — just by changing the settings on the touchscreen panel.
Having a swim spa at home makes it easy to fit in self-care, even during the holiday rush. Just steps from your backdoor, you can prioritize your well-being without feeling pressed for time.
Swim spa hydrotherapy
You can take advantage of the hydrotherapy options of a swim spa. Michael Phelps Swim Spas feature adjustable massage jets that target the areas where tension can build. More than easing physical stress, it can help you relax and reconnect with family members. Sitting in the contoured seats and enjoying the massage jets is a great way to check in with loved ones. Sharing this experience strengthens your connection and helps relieve holiday stress, making it easier to enjoy your time together.
With a Michael Phelps Swim Spa, you can reduce stress and feel your best—no matter how hectic the day or season becomes.
How to buy a swim spa
Do you want to be able to swim, exercise, and relax at home? Having a Michael Phelps Signature Swim Spa allows you to swim and relax on your schedule. Click here to find out more about the benefits of hydrotherapy and relaxing in a hot tub. Or, contact your local Master Spas retailer to learn more about swim spa ownership. Wondering how much a swim spa costs? You can request a quote here.