Summer is the most active time of year, with flowers blooming, vegetables ripening and holidays and outdoor activities. It is a time of expansion, growth, joy, activity and creativity. In the Summer heat, our body undergoes vigorous metabolic processes.

The season is filled with abundant energy, long days and (hopefully) sunshine, so it can lead some of us to over do it. We can sometimes get exhausted with so many social events and summer activities along with life's normal workload. In summer a lighter diet feels better, and it's the perfect time for cool fresh locally produced food. Living in London I am very lucky to have an allotment so we're a little over run at this time of the year with salads, courgettes, green beans, soft fruits and tomatoes.

Food with cool/cold properties can clear heat, reduce toxins, and generate body fluids. Cooling foods tend to be green and include lettuce, cucumbers and watercress which are some of the coolest. Fish and seafood are also cooling, while most meats are warming. Fresh fruits and vegetables from local markets are good choices, while spicy foods, alcohol, or caffeine are heating to the system so should be reduced. Take plenty of , out door exercise it's a lovely time to practice your yoga on the grass in the open air and drink lots of clean, pure water.

To prevent summer ills and remain in harmony with the season: Wake up earlier,  go to bed later, take a cat nap in the day eat in moderation, drink plenty of fluids, add aromatic flavours to your diet, keep calm and even-tempered , drink water with lemon and cucumber, stay away from dairy, heavy, greasy and fried foods , eat fruits and vegetables to adjust body temperature on long, hot days.

Our bodies are also much more flexible in the heat but it is possible to over stretch. Enjoy your body and hanging out with yourself on your yoga mat at this time of the year. On hot days practice yoga slowly with lots of soothing deep forward bends, Yin and restorative yoga sessions are the perfect antidote to hot muggy days. Try also to spend time with your legs up the wall especially at the end of the day - instantly reviving and refreshing!

Summer belongs to Fire, one of the Five Elements. It is symbolic of maximum activity and greatest Yang; a time of heat, out-goingness, and moving outward. Nature is at its peak of growth in summer, and all is moving in an upward motion. In human anatomy, the heart, mind, and spirit are ruled by Fire, so priority is given to heart, mind, and spirit for staying healthy in summer. When Fire is in balance, the heart is strong and healthy, and circulates blood to insure assimilation of food in small intestines, and keep mind calm for sound sleep. When Fire is out of balance, we may lack joy, be depressed or have an excess of joy, and be in a maniac, agitated state.