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Feeling connected to nature has myriad physical and mental health benefits, from improved air quality to reduced stress levels. In our busy lives, however, it can be a bit challenging to cut down the screen time and immerse ourselves in the natural world. If youre looking to feel more in touch with the great outdoors, here are five ways you can bring it into your home and improve your living space.

Potted Plants and Trees
Theres really no such thing as having too many plants in the house. Studies have suggested that they can boost your immune system, decrease blood pressure and even improve your sleep cycle. Plus, they just look nice around the home.

Natural Materials
Using an abundance of organic materials, such as wood and stone, throughout the house can allow it to feel at one with the outside world. There are plenty of other ways to introduce earthy textures when decorating, like a Jute rug made from natural fibers or bamboo furniture.

Oversized Windows and Doors
Floor-to-ceiling windows and large glass doors are an excellent way to capture the sensation of having nature in your home. Theres a calming effect that comes about when natural light floods your living room, and you can enjoy a view that showcases your surroundings.

Outdoor-Inspired Decor
So you dont have a wide-open view of rolling hills and towering trees? Try decorating your home with a nature-inspired motif, like floral-patterned upholstery or wallpaper depicting a landscape. Surrounding yourself with scenes and colors from the outdoors can be the next best thing when youre feeling stuck inside.

Natural Aromas
Filling your home with the fresh scents of the outdoors is a surefire way to feel more connected to Mother Nature. That can mean keeping flowers around the house or using essential oils that are relaxing and have a positive impact on your mood, like lemongrass, eucalyptus or lavender.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Working out at home is incredibly convenient, but finding the perfect exercise styles for home can be a challenge.

These exercises are perfect for your next home workout.

Tabata

A form of HIIT (high-intensity interval training), Tabata utilizes body weight, making it a great choice to blast fat from your living room.

Yoga

Yoga takes minimal space and equipment. The quiet and low-impact nature makes it an ideal choice for those who wish to workout without disrupting their household.

Circuit Training

Circuit training’s built-in variety and fast-paced nature will guarantee that you don’t get bored. Grab your phone or watch and create a circuit of your own.

Pilates

A home workout go-to, pilates takes little space and can be easily modified depending on your fitness level. The best part? It requires minimal equipment.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Affordability is a big issue for renters looking toward homeownership. Beyond the purchase price, putting together a 20 percent down payment is a big roadblock for many people.

It doesnt have to be, however. While 80 percent of millennial renters say they cant afford to buy a house, according to an Apartment List survey, there are various options that they may not be aware of.

Youve probably heard of Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) loans, and of Fannie Mae, a government agency that backs mortgages, but there are other programs to help buyer into their first home.

FHA / VA / Fannie
FHA loans are insured to give lenders a layer of protection if you default on the mortgage. They typically have competitive interest rates, smaller down payments and lower closing costs than conventional loans. A low credit score can still warrant only a 3.5 percent down payment.

The VA guarantees home loans that help active military members, veterans and surviving spouses. VA loans dont require a down payment or minimum credit score.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are government-sponsored entities that back home loans for low- and moderate-income families. Down payments can be as low as 3 percent.

USDA Loan
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, or USDA, focuses on homes in rural areas and guarantees the home loan. Borrowers dont have to buy or run a farm.

A credit score of 640 or higher typically gets an applicant streamlined processing. A lower score is allowed but may require extra documentation about payment history.

Good Neighbor Next Door
This program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development helps law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and K-12 grade teachers buy homes.

A 50 percent discount off a homes listed price is available through the program in areas labeled “revitalization areas.” Buyers must commit to living in the home for at least 36 months.

FHA Section 203(k)
If a fixer-upper fits more easily into your budget, a Section 203(k) rehabilitation program loan thats backed by FHA can help. It considers the value of the home after youve made improvements, and lets you borrow the money for these fixes, rolling it into your mortgage. The down payment can be as low as 3 percent.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

Published with permission from RISMedia.

If you own a house, homeowners insurance is a necessity. A storm might damage your home, your belongings might be stolen, or someone might be injured. Without homeowners insurance, you would be responsible for paying those bills, which could easily total thousands of dollars. Homeowners insurance can protect you in many instances, but not always. It’s important to understand what a policy does and doesn’t cover.

What Homeowners Insurance Covers
A homeowners insurance policy provides coverage for specific perils, or things that could cause damage, injuries or losses. A typical policy will cover damage to your house caused by a storm or fire. A policy covers the house itself, as well as a garage, deck, porch or shed. If your home is damaged by a covered peril and you’re not able to live there while it’s being repaired, your homeowners insurance policy should cover your living expenses in the interim.

A homeowners insurance policy also covers personal property. It will pay to replace your belongings if they’re stolen, damaged or destroyed by a covered peril. If you own expensive items, such as jewelry or furs, you may need to purchase additional coverage with higher limits to cover the value of those items.

Homeowners insurance can also protect you from financial liability for injuries to others. For example, if a guest falls on your property and is injured, your homeowners insurance policy will pay for related medical bills and legal expenses.

What Insurance Doesn’t Cover
A typical homeowners insurance policy doesn’t cover all types of natural disasters. Most policies do not cover flooding or earthquakes, although you might be able to purchase additional coverage to protect yourself from those perils. These types of coverage are not available in all locations.

A homeowners insurance policy might cover damage caused by a burst water pipe, but a claim could be rejected if the pipe bursts because of a lack of maintenance or insulation. Some policies cover mold, but the company may only pay if the mold was caused by a burst pipe. Policies typically do not cover sewer backups, although it may be possible to purchase additional coverage for this peril. Injuries caused by dog bites may or may not be covered, depending on the breed.

Deductibles
When you file a homeowners insurance claim, you will typically need to pay a deductible. This is an amount set by the policy that the policyholder needs to pay before the insurance company will pay the remainder of the value of the claim.

Talk to Your Insurance Agent
Damage, accidents and injuries can occur at any time, and they can be expensive to address. Homeowners insurance can protect you in many, but not all, circumstances. It’s important to ask your insurance agent exactly what is and is not covered and whether you should pay extra for additional protection.

Published with permission from RISMedia.