While the study only used 26 participants, it is the beginning of understanding exactly how exercise improves our mood beyond just releasing endorphins. And it’s one of the first to consider how much – or rather, how little – we really need to see this impact.

So, what can we take from this? Firstly, that in a complicated world, your training doesn’t have to be. Sure, long runs or workouts have their place – particularly if you want to improve your physical fitness or you’re aiming for a specific goal. But sometimes, we just need to think about short-term mental health, and it’s then that these accessible, not-too-overwhelming sessions could help.

The added bonus? “Running may be considered an exercise mode that benefits mood, which is an important factor for exercise adherence,” the researchers note. So, a better mood in the short term and more inclination towards long-term movement that reduces the risk of mental health disorders. We’d best lace-up and set that timer.

How long does it take for exercise to improve your mood? Just 10 minutes of running ought to do it