Afraid of Losing Income

Dear Marie:

This is a very difficult time for me. I lost my wife of 12 years in a car accident four months ago. She was coming home from work when a drunk driver ran a red light and hit her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. I never got a chance to say goodbye. We have two kids, five and two years old. I have my Mom helping me with the kids and the house.

I'm an accountant working on my own for the past 10 years. I'm the sole provider for my family now. On top of everything going on I can’t concentrate on my work. I'm so afraid of losing my income and not being able to take care of my family. What can I do? How do I clear my head and focus on work again?

-- Can't Concentrate in Chicago, Illinois

Dear Can't Concentrate:

My heart goes out to you and your family. No one should have to go through what and you're dealing with right now. None of us ever knows what challenges we will be faced with in life. The only thing you can do is to keep putting one foot in front of the other and ask for guidance along the way ‐‐ from whatever higher power you believe in.

It is acceptable and understandable to have a problem with concentration given what you're experiencing. There are a few things you can do to help your concentration at work.

Our Friends Can't Read Our Minds

Make sure you take frequent breaks – one each hour. The mind can only concentrate for so long.

Eat healthy food, such as fresh fruits, whole grains, eggs, fish, chicken and turkey. This gives your brain the protein and carbohydrates it needs to function.

Also, do what you can to get plenty of sleep and exercise. The body and brain will function much better.

Whether you have an assistant or not – have your calls held while you're working with numbers and be sure to check your work frequently for any errors.