Most of us look forward to the summer months; it makes a welcome change from the short darker days.

In the Summer months, the weather is warmer, the sun is out (if we’re lucky!) and so people are drawn to the outside, along with this their mood and outlook on life is improved.

Plants grow and people are full of energy, happier and more joyful.

Chinese medicine is always about balance and since the summer is associated with fire, the balancing element to summer is water. The colour red represents the brightness of nature, of the foods available to eat over the summer months i.e. berries and colourful salads.

So to enjoy what summer has to offer and to remain in balance with the environment, I offer you six tips to thrive:

• Get up earlier in the day, making the most of the bright starts, try to rest during the hottest part of the day and go to sleep later, your body can cope with more during the summer months, exploit the light!

• Drink plenty of fluids during the day; a refreshing drink made up of lemons, limes and cucumber is a great tonic for the summer heat

• Eat a lighter and more colourful diet which is cooling in nature; these tend to be greener, yellow, red/pink in colour. Examples include cucumbers, lemons, apricots, strawberries, peaches, oranges, watermelon, asparagus, corn, mint, coriander and dill

• Eat in moderation as overeating can lead to indigestion, it’s good to avoid heavily spiced, greasy or fried foods during summer months. Also don’t let food spoil, the risk of food poisoning is increased over summer months

• Wear lighter coloured clothing so the sun rays are reflected instead of being absorbed; darker clothing absorb the heat from the sun, wear hats to protect from sunstroke and heat stroke, particularly amongst the young and elderly

• Use sunscreen and a good quality sunscreen at that!