1. Invest in Quality Relationships

As the expression goes, no man is an island. People need each other and the value that comes from positively engaging with a network of like-minded people cannot be overstated. Like-minded doesn't necessarily mean folks that agree on every point of everything. It means that when there are disagreements, they treat one another with dignity and respect, which are the cornerstones of strong relationships. 

The give and take that necessarily exists in relationships is second nature to humans because it speaks to how they were raised. That process of advocating, defending, questioning, explaining and laughing with other people is part of what makes us feel normal. When people go for prolonged periods without these kinds of exchanges, they lose something important. 

2. Focus On Solving Problems, Not Dwelling

Sometimes you have to change the way you think about things. It's too easy to spin a problem around in your head without actually considering steps to solve it. This could be something that inspires fear, which can be difficult to ignore because it is scary. It could be something that seems so massive that you can't see around it - that surely there must be a solution somewhere on the other side. Whether it's trying to better understand investment property loans or standing up to a bully, people tend to inflate their problems to the point where they are seemingly as big as life itself. 

The first step to problem-solving is to acknowledge that there are probably any number of solutions to the problem. Stress only reinforces the notion of the problem itself, and distracts from the solving piece. Once you recognize the simple fact that problems have solutions, the next step is to look for the answers. When you were in school, this process was as simple as turning to a page in a textbook and copying some information. Though it might not be as simple today, you have many options. From the internet to your brain to your network of friends and associates, there are a lot of resources that you could bring to bear on your problem.

3. Practice Gratitude

The idea of being grateful means recognizing the blessings that surround you. As the expression goes, the squeaky wheel gets the grease. It's easy for people to dwell on the unhappy aspects of life, which everybody experiences. The trick is to quiet that noise by installing another kind of sound to take its place: the sound of peace. Gratitude is a formidable way to push negativity from your mind. By acknowledging that there are many things in your life to be grateful for, you can focus on them and consider how and why they bring you happiness. 

Practicing gratitude can look like many different things. Some people give their time or resources to charitable organizations. If you want to participate in something that constitutes the idea of giving back to society, consider joining the Special Olympics as an athlete manager or logistical helper. You'll likely get swept up in the zeitgeist of positivity that occurs when a group of people is actively advocating for another group.

Happiness is the key to life but is sometimes difficult to achieve. Mental health issues can cause people to lose sight of their happiness. Developing techniques by which to improve mental health necessarily improves a person's happiness quotient, and thus improving quality of life. 

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