Scientists reveal surprising brain benefit of laughter: 'It's a mental workout'

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2026 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by LSEG. Laughter and play are fundamental to healthy brain growth, emotional well-being and social bonding, according to Dr. Jacqueline Harding, an early childhood expert at Middlesex University in London. The old saying that laughter is the best medicine may be true, according to new research that suggests it is also a vital catalyst for children's development. Laughter and play are fundamental to healthy brain growth, emotional well-being and social bonding, according to Jacqueline Harding, Ph.D., an early childhood expert at Middlesex University in London. In her book, "The Brain That Loves to Laugh," Harding argues that joy is a complex biological phenomenon that helps children navigate stress and build more resilient, receptive minds, news agency SWNS reported. HAPPIER AND HEALTHIER PEOPLE DO THESE 7 THINGS EVERY DAY, SAYS WELLNESS EXPERT "When we see c