There are two important takeaways from this data.

First, it supports research that shows you don’t have to do a lot of hardcore exercise to reap the associated happiness benefits.

Given that endorphins peak around 20 minutes into exercise, just 17 minutes of walking a day can have a dramatic effect on your overall health and wellbeing.

In this latest study, low-level activities such as lawn-moving and housework still made the difference when it came to mood levels between active and non-active participants.

Secondly, while the link between exercise and mood is well-documented, this is the first time money has been brought into the equation.

Previous studies show that money can indeed bring happiness in the form of greater life satisfaction – although this effect plateaus for salaries around the £58,000 a year mark.

In other words, a higher income makes us happier to a point – but the impact of exercise can outstrip this, even with all the freedom and comforts that money brings.

Good news, then, for fans of Stylist Strong: a new boutique fitness studio launching in London this May, with classes, events and talks based around fitness and strength-training.

Images: Getty

Exercise makes us happier than money, says science