How can I enjoy time outside but make sure I'm not hurting myself?

By practicing sun awareness. It's nearly impossible to completely avoid the sun, but it is possible to enjoy time outdoors if you practice sun safety. Try to avoid being in the sun during the hours that the rays are strongest. Sun protective clothing is a good idea, and sunscreen is a must. (Don't forget about sunscreen on your lips as well!) You can get a sunburn any time of the year, so make year-around sun safety a priority for you and your loved ones.

I think an important thing to consider is reapplying sunscreen at recommended intervals. This depends on your activity. If you are sweating or swimming, reapply more often (every couple of hours). This means that you cannot just apply sunscreen once in the morning and be out all day and not reapply. It takes some preparation to bring the sunscreen with you. Have it be a part of your day bag. Put it in your backpack or purse. Set an alarm on your phone as a reminder, whatever will help you to remember. Don't wait until you notice that you are burning to reapply. Hope this helps.

Keeping vigilant but having reasonable expectations is key for enjoying yourself. I am never without my sunscreen and make it a point to reapply regularly. It takes some planning, but peak hours can be avoided if you are doing yardwork or hanging around at home. Several companies make clothing with sun protection layers and/or sunscreen. Many of these lines of clothing are offered at sports stores.