"Steady the breath."

-Annette Scott, Kodawari Studios

Yoga instructor Annette Scott kicked off her Thanksgiving morning with intention: the intention to increase happiness in her students in what can be a tricky time.

"We already live hectic lives with long to-do lists. The holidays just increase that," said Scott, the founder of Kodawari Studios in South Tampa.

Her advice on the mat and in life: Steady your breath.

As she walked through her class, she coached the students.

"Create strength in the foundations in the breath and the body," Scott said. "Someone may come to the table and throw you off your game. Re-find your center."

"It sounds basic and easy, but it is easy to do,” explained class-goer Maria Ferrara, “and it really does get a lot done for you."

Scott said slowing the breath slows the body's nervous system.

"So if you don't want to have stress, control your breath," said Scott

And breath, along with movement and mindfullness, is a major tenet of yoga.

Here is a simple exercise for you:

Breathe in deeply through your nose and out through your mouth slowly and fully five times.

"This will help you control that impulse to act too quickly,” said Scott, “and give the space to choose love, which is a sweet space, especially when you are against family.”

It's advice that mother Neda Yarich and her daughter Mila follow.

"Doing different yoga poses is so relaxing to me, and getting into a zone for when I leave,” explained Mila.

"It's always a good reminder, hearing from Annette: 'Yes, you will get uncomfortable and you will get at times something that you don't like,'” said Neda. “But you just have to breathe and remember that that's all part of living."

Living with the intention of love.

Happy Thanksgiving