Can helping others make us healthier? When scientists scanned the brains of people who donated money to charity, they found something surprising: Giving activated the same reward pathways as personal pleasures like food or music. But even more striking, the brain’s reward system responded more strongly to acts of generosity than to self-indulgence. The findings suggest that giving to others may not just feel good, but actually support our mental health and sense of connection.

So what does this mean for people with the means to give? Is generosity always a net positive—or is there such a thing as giving too much?

Health and science journalist Nicole Karlis explores these questions in her new book, Your Brain on Altruism. Drawing on neuroscience, psychology, and real-world examples, Karlis examines how caring for others can improve our well-being, build resilience, and foster lasting community—during moments of collective crisis, and beyond. She also challenges our current idea of “self-care,” suggesting that it may be time to reframe it not just as personal restoration, but as something communal.

We spoke with Karlis about how generosity affects the brain, what counts as care, and how we might sustain solidarity long after a crisis passes.

Here’s our conversation, edited for clarity.

Hope Reese: Why is altruism especially important at this moment?

Nicole Karlis: More connections are happening online and behind screens, and that really takes people away from an opportunity to see each other’s humanity. And from opportunities to listen to each other and connect with each other. Deep listening can help increase empathy in people, which can be a motivator for altruism.

HR: Why is it hard to be altruistic, and how can we get better at that?

NK: A couple of reasons for that are the loneliness crisis, which has run parallel to the rise in technology in our society, which also has run parallel to the rise of the wellness movement. That’s how I started to think that altruism and taking care of your community can also be one form of self-care.

Read the full article about the benefits of altruism by Hope Reese at Greater Good Magazine.