“The body benefits from movement, and the mind benefits from stillness.” —Sakyong Mipham: Photo by Stephanie Birch, stephbirch.com @stephynow

5 STEPS TO YOUR BEST YEAR YET

1 » Regulate your nervous system. When you feel triggered, learn how to slow down, focus on your breath (exhale longer than you inhale), and feel the sensations in your body. Having a regular yoga practice is a great way to strengthen this skill.

2 » Develop a healthy attachment style. Your attachment style is how you connect in relationships. Those with a positive attachment style can control their reactions, are emotionally available, able to express healthy boundaries, and face conflict directly and confidently; they’re dependable, trust themselves and others, are comfortable talking about their feelings and having difficult conversations, and committed to growing and staying curious.

3 » Have more hard conversations. Learn how to express your needs and understand the needs of others; this is one of the most crucial life skills to have.

4 » Set boundaries and stick to them. Communicate your wants and needs; don’t assume others know what they are.

5 » Learn something new. This is one of the best things you can do to build confidence.

Self-esteem coach Diana Vitantonio teaches people how to build authentic confidence; she’s also a certified yoga teacher with over 23 years of experience and the owner of Yoga Nyla (formerly Zuda Yoga Folsom). Learn more about her at dianavitantonio.com.