60 students aged 18-25 were asked to complete an alcohol screening questionnaire which found that they drank ‘hazardous’ amounts of alcohol. They were asked about their favourite drinks before being shown a video designed to increase their alcohol craving (which it did). The group then went on to do a five-minute exercise routine of squats, mountain climbers, push-ups, jumping jacks, heel kicks and sit-ups.

There were also two control groups: one which was asked to colour in a picture book for five minutes, and one that did nothing.

Following all three group sessions (exercise, colouring, doing nothing), all students answered questions about their drinking, alcohol craving, mood and anxiety. The researchers found that the exercise group had significantly lower alcohol cravings compared to the other groups, as well as lower anxiety and a more positive mood. Those who coloured in the picture book felt happier and less anxious than those who did nothing, but their craving for alcohol remained the same.

“This shows that as little as five minutes of exercise could really have a positive effect on your craving to drink, reducing your intake and improving your overall health,” study authors Professor Eef Hogervorst and Aleksandra Gawor wrote in The Conversation.

Just 5 minutes of exercise can reduce your appetite for alcohol – here’s why