People can improve their mood and productiveness by building exercise into their working day, new research suggests.

A study at the University of Bristol looked at 200 people and found that, on days when people exercised, their mood improved "significantly" and they performed better at work.

Exercisers also felt more energised and better able to concentrate, and they reported feeling calmer and more able to deal with problems.

Jo Coulson, research associate in the university's department of exercise, nutrition and health sciences, commented: "It's generally well-known now that there are many physical and mental health benefits that can be gained from regular exercise.

"If people try to fit an active break into their working day, they might also experience the added bonus of their whole day feeling much more productive. And that always feels good in our busy lives."

Government health experts recommend that adults exercise for a minimum of 30 minutes on at least five days a week.