If you’ve already caved in on your Dry January ambitions, you’re not alone. Despite around 25% of the nation attempting to go sober this month, according to a new poll commissioned by Asics, one in four have given up. That’s understandable; it’s cold, wet and windy and spring still feels like a long way off. Instead of a hot holiday, having a couple of glasses of wine is the next-best mood booster, right?

Well, research suggests that there’s a far more powerful and long-lasting mood booster available to us right now. And best of all, it’s free.

According to a 2022 study, just 20 minutes of exercise can offer a greater mood boost than alcohol. Professor Brendon Stubbs, renowned researcher in movement and the mind explains: “For those missing the ‘feel good’ effect of a drink or two this Dry January, the good news is that that exercise can give you even more of a mood boost. Scientific studies show that moderate exercise increases the flow of endorphins, dopamine and serotonin.

“In fact, research shows there is a 50% greater mood improvement from just 20 minutes of exercise than consuming alcohol.”

Thinking of giving up on Dry January? 20 minutes of exercise boosts mood more intensely than having a drink, new research finds