Some people have gone for so long ignoring their body’s natural signals that they don’t even think to drink water until they see angels beckoning them toward a bright light. Don’t wait until you feel awful to adopt a few sensible measures for the late summer season.

Drinking enough water during these dog-days of summer is only part of it. Did you know that rubbing oil on your body will also help to improve your hydration? Before you shower, try a full-body rubdown with pure coconut oil, which is cooling and soothing for these long, hot days. It’ll keep your skin moist and smooth as a baby’s bum, even as the dryness of late summer threatens to sap your juices.

Did you know that eating juicy fruits and vegetables is easier on your kidneys than drinking large amounts of water? Of course, we need water too, but aim to get some of your hydration from the delicious and juicy pears and apples that are just starting to appear.

They’re great to both eat and drink as juice, to stay cool and clear-headed. While it’s tempting to eat ice cream and drink icy-cold fizzy drinks, those tend to drain your energy, whereas fruit and fruit juices give you a steady, long-term boost, leaving you with more energy for work and play.

By now you should have sorted out your goals for the coming year and be off along the path towards them. Don’t get too sidetracked as this early stage in the journey, or you may find it hard to get back on track in time. Successful people in the business and sports arenas both say that planning and hard slog up front are the key to their success. Their seemingly easily won glory is the result of lots of early morning work when others are still asleep. Working in those cool hours will also help keep you from overheating, and you’ll then be able to afford time off for a swim or a little siesta in the really hot part of the afternoon.