As the holiday season approaches, it’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle—endless shopping lists, back-to-back gatherings, and the pressure to create picture-perfect moments. Yet, in the midst of this chaos, there’s an opportunity to focus inward and harness something that often gets overlooked: your unique talents and gifts.
Jaya Jaya Myra, a best-selling author and mind-body wellness expert, believes that recognizing and utilizing our natural abilities can transform how we experience the holidays. “When push comes to shove, you’ll probably be able to do anything you put your mind to,” Jaya Jaya Myra says. “But you definitely have your own unique talents and gifts that make you happy when you use them.”
The problem, she points out, is that many people spend their time and energy on pursuits that don’t align with their true strengths, leaving them stressed and unfulfilled. “When you try to constantly push the river and do things that don’t use your talents wisely, you’ll find yourself stressed out and unfulfilled,” Jaya Jaya Myra explains. This misalignment can feel particularly overwhelming during the holiday season, which is already packed with demands on your time and emotions.
Instead, she encourages people to pause, reflect, and lean into their natural abilities during the holidays. By doing so, she says, you can reap three major benefits that will not only improve your well-being but also make this time of year more joyful and meaningful.
1. Rediscover Joy by Embracing Your Talents
The holiday season often brings a swirl of emotions—nostalgia, happiness, and sometimes unresolved feelings tied to family or past experiences. Myra encourages using your natural talents as a way to process and heal these emotions.
“When you tap into your gifts and nurture them, you create an avenue for emotional growth,” she explains. Whether it’s writing, cooking, crafting, or exploring another skill that feels true to you, these activities help redirect your energy from reacting to challenges toward meaningful action. This shift not only fosters healing but also opens the door to self-discovery and emotional resilience
2. Boost Your Physical and Mental Health
The demands of the season can take a toll on your well-being, but Jaya Jaya Myra points out that using your unique abilities can serve as a natural antidote to holiday stress. “Utilizing your special talents contributes to your overall health in several ways, such as reducing stress levels, boosting mental health, improving cognitive function, encouraging movement, and enhancing social connections,” she says.
For instance, if you’re someone who loves to sing or play music, these activities can provide a creative outlet that relieves tension and fosters a sense of joy. Similarly, physical talents like dancing or sports can double as a way to stay active and relieve holiday-induced stress. The key is to find an activity that feels rewarding and sustainable for you.
3. Improve Self-Confidence
One of the greatest gifts you can give yourself this holiday season is the confidence that comes from embracing your strengths. “When you’re good at something, flaunt it!” Myra encourages.
Practicing your talents not only hones your skills but also builds resilience, fosters authentic self-expression, and provides a sense of accomplishment. Whether it’s baking treats for your neighbors, creating handmade decorations, or solving logistical puzzles for a family gathering, your talents can shine brightly during this season of giving.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Ultimately, Myra believes that investing in your talents is one of the most fulfilling things you can do—not just during the holidays, but throughout the year. “By taking the time to understand, appreciate, and utilize our gifts to their full capacity, we can truly then fulfill our own unique purpose in life,” she says. “And there is no better gift to give ourselves than that.”
So this holiday season, consider shifting your focus from doing it all to doing what feels right for you. Embrace your talents, let them guide your actions, and discover how they can transform your holiday experience into one filled with joy, connection, and a deep sense of purpose. After all, the most meaningful gifts often come from within.
About Jaya Jaya Myra:
Jaya Jaya Myra, is a former immunologist turned mind-body wellness expert and bestselling author. She has been featured in hundreds of media interviews globally, including TODAY, NBC, ABC, CBS, FOX, The Los Angeles Times, The Times of India, The Toronto Sun, Forbes, Parents, Woman’s World, Reader's Digest, and many more outlets. Her nonprofit, Gita for the Masses, is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization created to help people overcome obstacles and be victorious in life.