Getting outside connects us to nature. It's also a great way to feel a part of the world and get some exercise. Just be prepared to beat the heat.

Whether at Work or at Play
Be sure to have plenty of cool beverages to lower your body temperature when you get hot. The amount of fluid you need depends upon the activity level and how much you're sweating. Water is the body's best tool for staying hydrated during activity.

You may think nothing refreshes like a glass of iced tea, but when you're rehydrating, exclude beverages with caffeine in them--they can be dehydrating.

Tastes of the Season
For easy on-the-go snacks, everyone likes to munch on handfuls of homemade trail mix. Toss together dried fruits, nuts, and a few candy-coated chocolate pieces such as M&Ms.

At home, keep a selection of frozen fruit pops on hand for treats.

Keep juice boxes in the freezer for quick slurpy snacks during strolls in the summer heat.

Summer Togs
Comfort demands smart dressing during the hot and humid months. Sure, you could invest in activewear with specially designed fabrics that wick and waft heat and moisture away. Most likely, though, your closet already contains what you need.

Choose light-colored cotton shirts and shorts (dark colors absorb the hot rays and transfer them to your skin). Make sure all your clothes are loose-fitting. Don't forget that hats or visors are as essential as sunscreen.

Taking care of yourself outdoors is simple: Go for comfort, don't get thirsty, and take lots of rest breaks.

This article is from the June 2005 issue of Southern Living.