Is your life clouding your career?

• Face the reality of the situation. Ask yourself what's happening in your life and, instead of blaming others, look at what you can do to get beyond it

• Make sure the place that you value most in your life - your home - gets the time, effort and energy it deserves to become a haven for you. Work on your domestic relationships and create an environment that's loving and supportive.

• Take time out for yourself and give yourself the things you deserve. Have long, luxuriating baths, go for walks, eat and exercise regularly and treat yourself to a pampering massage or a facial

• Understand that your energy gets depleted by caring for someone who's critically ill and needs to be replenished

• Never turn to substances like pills or alcohol. As coping mechanisms they'll only compound the problem

• Get professional help. Understand that the way you're feeling is normal and you can't go through it alone

• Seriously consider leaving the relationship if you're being abused

• Think very carefully before confiding in your boss. Sometimes this is the best course of action. But if your company has a strictly "no personal problems allowed" policy, you need to tread carefully

• Focus on that part of your work you really love and enjoy and look forward to. This in itself becomes restorative

• Avoid watching or reading things that distress you. Focus on positive, uplifting input.