ames youre correct you shouldnt talk to Hashem only when you are in tzar.
even more important is to talk to him when things are going well
thank him that you have a bed and a pillow and teeth and kidneys and a home and feet and clothes and sleep in peace every night without the kgb banging on your door.
dont just acknowledge these things subconsciously
take time to think about them
take time to feel deep gratitude and love to Hashem for these wonderful things
take time to thank Hashem
do it during set Tefillah
or anytime you have a minute
it is a Mitzvah, just like putting on Tefillin
it is one of the chovos ha lavovos
instead of wasting your precious thoughts next time you are waiting in line
do a Mitzvah with your mind