Hello,

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness, but it can also present challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. With abundant food, tempting treats, and busy schedules, it's easy to overindulge and neglect self-care.

However, staying healthy during the holidays is possible with some planning and mindful choices. Here are several tips to help you maintain your well-being while enjoying the festivities.

1. Mindful Eating: Savor, Don’t Overindulge

Holidays often feature delicious, rich foods, but overeating can leave you feeling sluggish and uncomfortable. Focus on savoring each bite and listen to your body’s signals of hunger and fullness.

Opt for smaller portions and make healthier choices like vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you're traveling, try to pack healthy snacks like nuts, fruit, and protein bars to avoid reaching for unhealthy airport or gas station options.

2. Stay Active: Incorporate Exercise into Your Routine

With all the events and relaxation, skipping workouts can be tempting. However, staying active is key to maintaining your energy, mood, and balance. Try a shorter workout routine, or incorporate outdoor activities like walking, ice skating, or hiking. If you're busy, find small ways to incorporate movement—take the stairs, park farther away from your destination, or enjoy a 10-minute stretch break.

3. Manage Stress: Find Moments of Calm

Holidays can be stressful, which can negatively impact your immune system, digestion, and overall well-being. Prioritize self-care by taking time to recharge. Practice deep breathing exercises, meditation, or yoga to calm your mind and body. Even a few minutes of quiet time can reduce stress and improve your mood. Don't be afraid to say "no" when you're feeling overwhelmed and need a break.

4. Hydrate: Drink Plenty of Water

With festive drinks like hot chocolate and cocktails, it’s easy to forget to hydrate. Water is essential, especially during colder months, as it supports digestion, keeps your skin hydrated, and regulates body temperature. Make water your go-to drink and consider carrying a reusable water bottle to remind yourself to sip throughout the day.

5. Get Enough Sleep: Prioritize Rest

Holiday parties and travel can disrupt your sleep routine. Getting enough rest is essential for your mood, energy levels, and immune function. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night, even if it means adjusting your schedule. Consider setting a relaxing nighttime routine—such as limiting screen time before bed, reading a book, or taking a warm bath—to improve sleep quality.

6. Practice Moderation with Alcohol

Enjoying a drink during the holidays is fine, but moderation is key. Excessive alcohol can lead to dehydration, poor sleep, and weight gain. Alternate alcoholic beverages with water to stay hydrated and be mindful of how much you drink. If you're hosting, offer non-alcoholic options for guests who prefer not to drink.

7. Focus on What Truly Matters

The holidays are a time to celebrate with loved ones, but it’s easy to get caught up in the pressures of perfectionism. Instead of stressing over every detail, focus on the joy of spending time with others. Be present in the moment. Embrace the season with gratitude and cherish the memories you make.

Key Takeaways

Staying healthy during the holidays doesn't mean you have to miss out on the fun or feel guilty about indulgences. By finding balance, making mindful choices, and prioritizing self-care, you can enjoy the season while maintaining your physical and mental well-being.

Take it one step at a time and remember that the holidays are about celebrating and creating memories. May the spirit of the season fill you and your loved ones with joy.

Warm wishes, 

Your Eagle Wealth Team

The Week on Wall Street

Stocks were under pressure last week as the Fed Chair's hawkish comments unsettled investors ahead of the holiday season.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average received the hardest hit, falling 2.25 percent. The Standard & Poor’s 500 Index lost 1.98 percent, while the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped 1.78 percent. The MSCI EAFE Index, which tracks developed overseas stock markets, retreated an eye-catching 3.38 percent.^1,2

No Santa Yet

Divergence marked the start of the week as megacap tech stocks rallied while the Dow Industrials fell for the eighth-straight session—its longest losing streak since 2018.³

Following its scheduled December meeting, the Fed announced it was cutting short-term rates by a quarter point, as widely expected. However, Fed Chair Jerome Powell also signaled fewer rate reductions next year. “From here, it’s a new phase and we’re going to be cautious about further cuts,” he said in his post-meeting news conference.

The rate news surprised investors, who were anticipating more dovish comments from the Fed Chair.^4,5

Markets were under pressure again early Friday as the spending bill to fund the federal government appeared to stall. But a lower-than-expected inflation update boosted the market and helped erase some of the earlier losses.^6,7

Holiday Cheer

Despite a difficult week, stocks are on track to have their second consecutive year of double-digit returns. Year to date, through Friday’s close, the S&P 500 was ahead by about 24 percent. In 2023, the S&P 500 also tacked on 24 percent for the full year.⁸

<sup>Source: YCharts.com, December 21, 2024. Weekly performance is measured from Monday, December 16, to Friday, December 20. TR = total return for the index, which includes any dividends as well as any other cash distributions during the period. Treasury note yield is expressed in basis points.

Past performance is not a guarantee of future results. Any companies mentioned are for informational purposes only, and this should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of their securities. Any investment should be consistent with your objectives, time frame, and risk tolerance.</sup>

^{"Staying Healthy During the Holidays: Tips for a Balanced Season" ChatGPT, December 2024
https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/18/fed-rate-decision-december-2024-.html
1. The Wall Street Journal, December 20, 2024
2. Investing.com, December 20, 2024
3. CNBC.com, December 16, 2024
4. CNBC.com, December 17, 2024
5. The Wall Street Journal, December 18, 2024
6. CNBC.com, December 19, 2024
7. CNBC.com, December 20, 2024
8. The Wall Street Journal, December 20, 2024}

^{Investing involves risks, and investment decisions should be based on your own goals, time horizon, and tolerance for risk. The return and principal value of investments will fluctuate as market conditions change. When sold, investments may be worth more or less than their original cost.}

^{The forecasts or forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, may not materialize, and are subject to revision without notice.}

^{The market indexes discussed are unmanaged, and generally, considered representative of their respective markets. Index performance is not indicative of the past performance of a particular investment. Indexes do not incur management fees, costs, and expenses. Individuals cannot directly invest in unmanaged indexes. Past performance does not guarantee future results.}

^{The Dow Jones Industrial Average is an unmanaged index that is generally considered representative of large-capitalization companies on the U.S. stock market. Nasdaq Composite is an index of the common stocks and similar securities listed on the NASDAQ stock market and is considered a broad indicator of the performance of technology and growth companies. The MSCI EAFE Index was created by Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) and serves as a benchmark of the performance of major international equity markets, as represented by 21 major MSCI indexes from Europe, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The S&P 500 Composite Index is an unmanaged group of securities that are considered to be representative of the stock market in general.}

^{U.S. Treasury Notes are guaranteed by the federal government as to the timely payment of principal and interest. However, if you sell a Treasury Note prior to maturity, it may be worth more or less than the original price paid. Fixed income investments are subject to various risks including changes in interest rates, credit quality, inflation risk, market valuations, prepayments, corporate events, tax ramifications and other factors.}

^{International investments carry additional risks, which include differences in financial reporting standards, currency exchange rates, political risks unique to a specific country, foreign taxes and regulations, and the potential for illiquid markets. These factors may result in greater share price volatility.}

^{Please consult your financial professional for additional information.}

^{This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information. The information in this material is not intended as tax or legal advice. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. This material was developed and produced by FMG Suite to provide information on a topic that may be of interest. FMG is not affiliated with the named representative, financial professional, Registered Investment Advisor, Broker-Dealer, nor state- or SEC-registered investment advisory firm. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and they should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.  Copyright 2024 FMG Suite.}