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We all know that volunteering is good for our spirits, but recent studies show that it might also be good for our psychological health.

In a report by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, researchers found that older adults who participated as formal volunteers had more positive role identities. Researchers believe that the social benefits of interacting with group members, paired with the self-esteem boost that comes from feeling involved and committed to a cause, can improve health and longevity.

While there are endless opportunities for volunteering, many of us don’t know where to begin. We’ve done the legwork for you! If you’d like to squeeze in some volunteer time on a regular basis, there are plenty of programs that run from a couple of hours a week to a few times a year. The best part — you’re guaranteed to find one within a few miles of your home. For volunteer opportunities in your area, check out the following resources:

VolunteerMatch This website is used as a recruiting tool for more than 40,000 nonprofit organizations. You can donate to a cause you feel connected to, or search for a volunteer opportunity in yur neighborhood — all from your computer screen.

servenet.org A great place to get started on your search, this website lets you enter a specific volunteer age range, population you’d like to serve and any special skills you have to help find you the right match. You also can set up a profile and share stories and photos with other volunteers.

USA Freedom Corps Take a quick 12-question survey and be matched to programs that fit your skill set and interests. You will also find tips for volunteering wisely and questions to ask when considering a new volunteer opportunity.

Idealist This is a giant search engine for community organizations in more than 180 countries. Search from more than 57,000 nonprofit jobs, internships, events and organizations, and create a personal profile with your area of focus and location.

National Park Service Search for a park in your area and find a role that suits your interests. Become a tour guide, naturalist or campground host, or donate funds to support conservation efforts.

TAKE A VOLUNTEER VACATION
Don’t have the time to volunteer on a regular basis but want to do something more than just writing a check? Consider taking a volunteer vacation. These trips are for adventure-seekers who are looking to contribute a little money and time to help others in need. They are generally inexpensive — you won’t be staying at a four-star hotel or dining on gourmet cuisine. Instead, plan on  spending each day living, working and eating as the locals do. The following programs offer volunteer vacations across the globe:

Sierra Club Volunteer Vacations Choose from among a variety of Inner City Outings programs within the U.S. that bring low-income inner-city youth to the great outdoors. As a trained volunteer, you can lead or assist on these weekend trips, which are offered year round. All skill levels are needed and appreciated, whether you’d like to lead a trip or take on administrative duties to help raise funds (cost: free; donations welcome).

American Hiking Society Volunteer Vacations (sponsored by REI) Rebuild trails, cabins and shelters by day and camp, socialize and enjoy the campfire with new friends by night. Many of the outings include backpacking, so be sure to review the level of difficulty listed for each trip. Each one- to four-week trip is designed for all levels, rated “Easy-Moderate” to “Strenuous-Very Strenuous.” Sign up early, as spots fill quickly (cost: $130).

Wilderness Volunteer Vacations Whether planting trees in Hawaii or maintaining trails in California’s Sierras, your trip will include a few “free days” where you can swim, hike, fish or explore the natural surroundings. The vacation spans one week and accommodates volunteers of all skill levels (cost: $239).

Earthwatch Institute Expeditions For the true adventurer, these vacations allow you to explore the world while also helping to save it. Participate in scientific field research or conservation projects in one of 50 countries. Volunteers can choose from dozens of expeditions, which range from two days to three weeks, including a trip to Namibia to protect the cheetahs or Puerto Rico to save the rain forest (cost: $1,300 and up).