Having trouble focusing? Feeling overwhelmed?

Now the nights are drawing in and the mornings are getting darker and colder, you might be thinking of ways to escape the dreary winter. But autumn is the perfect time for slowing down and tuning in.

According to Ayurveda an ancient Indian system of holistic health there are three primary energies or Doshas that run through everything in nature. Just as each person has a Dosha that is predominant, each season is also dominated by one of these Doshas.

Autumn is governed by Vata (air and ether) and this is characterised by the cold, dry and irregular. With the abundance of Vata energy (literally!) in the air our bodies and minds can easily become overwhelmed, ungrounded and out of balance.

Here Kirsty Gallagher, one of the UK's leading yoga teachers shares her top yoga tips on how to stay balanced this Autumn and keep your feet (and your head!) firmly on the ground.

* Develop a regular yoga practice -to help you feel calmer and less chaotic it's good to have a good routine established from the beginning and practice at the same time every day.

* When practicing yoga try grounding postures such as Warrior 1 and 2, these will help you to feel strong and grounded and focussed in the present moment.

* Start a meditation practice- many people can feel quite unsettled and ungrounded during autumn and so just a few moments of peacefully pausing in meditation each day will help you to stay centred and allow inspiration to continue to flood in.

* Master the art of breathing! Developing a breathing practice is as important as eating says Kirsty- try to start the day with some full deep breaths before rushing out the door to keep you feeling centred and focused throughout the day. If you want to go one step further practicing yogic breathing practices such as Nadi Sodhana is known to balance the brain and calm the nervous system.

* Applying oil to skin not only helps to nourish dry skin but is also known to reduce anxiety and feelings of fear. Warm a little oil (sesame, almond or coconut) and then massage it into your entire body paying special attention to the joints to restore balance and bliss.

* Try to let go and just go with it-accept the season as a period of change and try to go with the flow!

Kirsty Gallagher is an International Yoga Teacher, barefoot dreamer, free spirit, adventure seeking traveller and pursuer of happiness. She teaches regular workshops and retreats in the UK, Europe and beyond. Her next retreat Sacred 

Space will be held in Ibiza October 18th-25th.

For more information visit her website www.kirstygallagher.com