Our move changed a few things that have made me substantially healthier:
1. I no longer drive an hour to work. While my commute in is about 1/2 an hour because I need to drop Trevor off first, I live only 16 minutes away from driveway to parking lot. This has meant that I have regained more than an hour every day. I'm also not driving on an overly congested and dangerously fast interstate. I believe that just driving on I-94 was taking years off my life.
2. I get more sleep. This might change, but we've been going to bed earlier for the past couple of months and, due to the shorter morning drive, I can sleep in a bit longer before getting ready for work.
3. I am getting some actual exercise. While I should take some of my evening and weekend time to do more outdoor exploring, I have at least been able take part in my school's free cross-fit program after school three to four times a week (usually four). I used to think that my little evening exercise ritual counted for something, and maybe it helped a little, but this is a whole new level of activity that is both tiring and invigorating at the same time.
4. I'm eating better. Due to our severe lack of funds and the higher prices on most foods, I have largely been avoiding chips, store-bought cookies, and (most importantly) soda drinks. This isn't to say that I have rid myself of all bad eating habits (especially with free and fresh popcorn available at school every day), but it has obviously made a difference.
5. The air is fresher and the water cleaner. This is not necessarily true everywhere in Alaska, but it certainly is here. I particularly like not having the mineral build-up on all of our dishes.
The results so far? I've truly had to tighten my belt, going in another notch. The same is true for my wrist watch. My pants are bagging a bit around the waist rather putting stress on the button. I am no longer out of breath from going up a flight of stairs. ...I can actually see my triceps again.
There are stresses involved, but otherwise I recommend the move.