Here's how you can handle your own stress when your boss keeps changing expectations.

In my experience, the best tool was keep everything in writing (thanks to my legal background). If a boss gave a task, I would write him something like "Thanks for entrusting me this important task of data entry with due date "yesterday" and I`ll do my best to complete it in time"... Recorded. The responsibility is shared with the email :) and then, any changes made in this expectation is also recorded. Your stress level will go down because , well, email remembers everything, so you don`t need to stress about you might forget something, misunderstood something etc. It`s also about setting the boundaries. Practice it.

Stress is the body's natural reaction to an impending danger. Hormones and chemicals that are rushing through your body cause it. Excessive stress can be harmful to your health, even while it can help you respond to some circumstances. Mood swings, trouble sleeping, tense muscles, and recurrent illness are a few typical indicators of Signs of psychological distress: trouble focusing, concerning uncertainty, having trouble recalling. Signs of Emotion: Anger Irritability, moodiness, annoyance . Physical Symptoms: elevated blood pressure, weight fluctuations, colds or illnesses on a regular basis. Recall that early stress recognition enables efficient stress management and preservation of general wellbeing.

One of my clients, a dedicated project manager, was struggling with a boss who constantly changed expectations and deadlines. She felt like she had to be available 24/7 and never had time to recharge. Together, we worked on developing a boundary-setting strategy. We practiced assertive communication techniques, such as using "I" statements and clearly expressing her needs. For example, instead of saying "You're making it impossible to meet these deadlines," she learned to say, "I want to deliver high-quality work, and I need more notice when priorities shift to ensure I can meet expectations."We also established "no-work" zones, both in terms of time and physical space. These boundaries helped my client take control of her stress levels.

Start by identifying the most urgent and important tasks on your to-do list and focus on completing those first. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you are meeting your boss's most pressing demands. Additionally, consider setting realistic deadlines for yourself and breaking larger projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. By taking a proactive approach to task prioritization, you can reduce feelings of overwhelm and improve your overall productivity. In addition to prioritizing tasks, it's essential to communicate openly and effectively with your boss. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss any changes in expectations and clarify any uncertainties.

One powerful tool I recommend to my clients is reframing challenges as opportunities for learning and development. I recently worked with a client who was a sales manager struggling with a boss who frequently changed sales targets and strategies. Initially, she felt overwhelmed and stressed by the constant shifts, questioning her ability to succeed in her role. To build her resilience, we practiced reframing these changes as chances to expand her skill set and adaptability. Instead of thinking, "I can't handle this," she started asking herself, "What can I learn from this situation?" This shift in perspective allowed her to approach each new challenge with curiosity and a sense of opportunity.