I’ve been told exercise will help boost my happy hormones and help reduce my back pain. I’m not much of an exercise buff. Isn’t there a pill I can take that would do the same thing?

Exercise has been shown to increase endorphins, natural pain killers and cortisol, a stress hormone. The exercise must be at a high enough intensity to change blood chemisty, but how intense may vary from person to person. Anxiety and depression are known to be improved with regular moderately-intense exercise.

Many studies show that activity vigorous enough to get your heart rate up for at least 20 minutes or more is best. The basic formula used to calculate the intensity of the exercise is 220 minus your age then multiplied by 60% (or 0.6). That gives you an idea of the minimum heart rate needed to exercise at a moderate rate.

You should not go above 85 per cent of your maximum heart rate. And if you have any health concerns, it’s best to see your doctor before beginning an exercise program. There really isn’t something like a happy pill. The most powerful drug we know for chronic pain and many other conditions is exercise.

Regular exercise is advised for everyone based on many studies showing the positive benefits on health and mood. You may benefit from an antidepressant if exercise does not prove helpful.