And a year of isolation from friends and family, as well as co-workers, has contributed to feelings of burnout. So, although making time for laughter might not seem like a priority, experts point out that its effects on the brain can not only boost our mood but also our productivity. How laughter helps the brain Daniel Sgroi, an economics professor at the U.K.'s University of Warwick, told CNBC via telephone that laughter can trigger the activation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, both of which are considered mood-boosting hormones. Sgroi explained that laughter "fast tracks networks in the brain to help you concentrate and focus," working as the equivalent of a productivity boost. However, he stressed that the laughter has to be genuine.