If there is one thing we all want in life, it is to be happier. It is something many of us struggle with. Life is wrought with challenges. We engage in all sorts of self-sabotaging behaviors that keep us down. Our priorities are often all screwed up. We focus on the negative, and take the good for granted. The list of obstacles to improving our well-being is virtually endless. But, you are not destined to feel how you feel now; your current mental state is not an unchangeable aspect of you, like your skin color or height. So, if you are in the market for some more happiness in your life, here are three ways to help you reach this worthwhile goal.

Adopt an Attitude of Gratitude

One of our biggest barriers to being happier in life is our tendency to focus on all that is wrong or missing in our lives, on the things we don’t like, the things we wish were different. It is understandable since negative emotions can have such a heavy pull on us. But, this does not mean it cannot be fixed to some degree. No matter what may be happening in your life right now, you probably have a ton to be grateful for; but, you don’t really feel grateful because you are so used to having these things, and you take them for granted. Should any of these things be taken away, you would quickly realize how good you had it. One key ingredient in the happiness recipe is learning to practice gratitude for all the good things in your life, no matter how simple they may seem to you, whether it be a roof over your head, living in a stable environment free from war and instability, or good food. Start focusing on the good things in your life, and you will adopt a much healthier perspective on your challenges.

Use Natural Mood-Boosting Supplements

Supplementation can be of great help when it comes to improving our mental well-being. There can certainly be a chemical component to our mood issues. For some people, an imbalance may be causing feelings of depression and anxiety. There is also a belief that being unhappy with our lives and negative feelings may result in disordered brain chemistry. There are several supplements that may be of benefit. I have personally found success with three different supplements—the Indian herb tulsi (holy basil), St. John’s wort , and kratom. This latter herb is popular in Southeast Asia and is becoming more well-known. This helpful article 5 Medicinal Uses for Kratom can help shed more light on an herb highly prized for improving mood. Be patient with supplements as they may take several weeks to work. If you are taking medications, educate yourself about potential interactions with herbs and other natural supplements.

Stop Viewing Challenges as Something that Shouldn’t Happen

Of course we don’t like dealing with things that challenge us in any way, that make us feel stressed and unhappy. We want smooth sailing all the way, myself included. But, on some level, we carry this idea that bad things should not happen to us, so when they do, we develop a resistance to these situations, which increases our suffering immensely—remember that suffering is of the mind and is a result of how we perceive what is happening to us. While you still may not like dealing with challenging situations, viewing them as a natural part of the human experience will allow you to handle them much better. You will not let them define your life.

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Kelli Cooper is a freelance writer with a passion for personal development, and enjoys sharing tips based on her own experience in trying to create a better life.