Once you start thinking like a philanthropist, you’ll realize that real philanthropy is about more than giving away money. It requires getting to the heart of an issue to create fundamental change. One thing all good philanthropists have in common is their ability to think critically and creatively about an issue.

There are countless benefits from practicing philanthropy, whether that means helping out just an hour a week or every single day. Science has also proven that charitable deeds can have rewarding side effects for you as well. A study published in the International Journal of Medicine found that being altruistic actually makes us feel better—both mentally and physically. Another study highlighted in a Wall Street Journal article revealed that the same reward centers in the brain associated with cravings for food and physical touch also light up when we help others.