If you want to give something truly meaningful this holiday season, think outside the gift box.

Rather than investing your time shopping for the perfect presents, start volunteering for an organization that’s important to you.

Giving your time to a cause you believe in is a valuable way to support your community, improve the wellbeing of others and help make the world a better place.

It’s also a proven way to boost your health and wellness. People who volunteer have a decreased risk of depression and anxiety, a greater sense of purpose, and less stress in their lives. Volunteers are more likely to have lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels than people who don’t volunteer.

Read: Teen Volunteers Help Spread Holiday Cheer

When you think of volunteering, you probably think of toy drives and serving holiday meals at community kitchens. However, recurring volunteer work will make the biggest impact on your community and health.

“Everybody wants to be a good person during the holidays, but you don’t have to wait for the holidays to do something meaningful for those in need,” said Luis Gatica, a Cedars-Sinai Patient Services representative who volunteers at Cedars-Sinai after work. “There are always people in need, every single month of the year.”

Gatica volunteers with the Mealtime Mates program, which pairs volunteers with patients who need extra help eating. For an hour each week, Gatica talks and listens to someone new, providing them with company and assistance.

“It’s not like giving someone a gift card. It’s more personal,” Gatica said. “You’ve helped somebody in a very human way.”

Gatica looks forward to volunteering with Mealtime Mates, even when he’s having a stressful work week.

“Sometimes I’m tired, and I have tension from being in a cubicle with phones and people talking. But after volunteering, I feel better,” Gatica said. “I’m very selfish about my time, but it feels good to give an hour to other people who need it. That hour takes away the stress of eight hours of work.”

Read: Volunteering at Cedars-Sinai: Always Needed, Always Valued

The holiday season—when you’re already in the giving mindset—is an ideal time to start volunteering. Consider it a way to extend the spirit of generosity throughout the year.

Check with local hospitals, community centers and houses of worship for opportunities that match your interests and skill set. An online volunteer recruiting platform such as VolunteerMatch also can help you find opportunities in your area.

“Try something that doesn’t require too much time, so you don’t feel overwhelmed,” Gatica said. “It might seem hard to commit to something, but it can be really rewarding.”