How do you cope with stress and manage multiple priorities in provider relations?

2 Prioritize your tasks

The second step to manage multiple priorities is to prioritize your tasks according to their urgency and importance. Urgent tasks are those that have a short deadline or a high impact, while important tasks are those that align with your goals and values. To prioritize your tasks, you can use a matrix, a list, or a calendar to sort them into four categories: do first, schedule, delegate, or eliminate. By doing this, you can focus on the most critical tasks, avoid distractions, and plan ahead.

3 Communicate effectively

The third step to cope with stress and manage multiple priorities is to communicate effectively with your stakeholders, such as providers, managers, colleagues, and clients. Effective communication can help you clarify expectations, resolve conflicts, share information, and build trust. To communicate effectively, you can use different modes and channels, such as phone, email, or face-to-face, depending on the situation and the preference of the receiver. You can also use active listening, empathy, and assertiveness skills to convey your message clearly and respectfully.

4 Balance your work and life

The fourth step to cope with stress and manage multiple priorities is to balance your work and life. Work-life balance is the state of harmony between your professional and personal responsibilities and interests. Achieving work-life balance can help you reduce stress, improve your well-being, and enhance your performance. To balance your work and life, you can set boundaries, delegate or outsource tasks, schedule time for yourself and your loved ones, and pursue hobbies or activities that make you happy and relaxed.

5 Seek support and feedback

The fifth step to cope with stress and manage multiple priorities is to seek support and feedback from others. Support and feedback can help you cope with challenges, learn from mistakes, improve your skills, and celebrate your achievements. You can seek support and feedback from different sources, such as your manager, your mentor, your peers, your friends, or your family. You can also join professional networks or communities of practice to exchange ideas and best practices with other provider relations specialists.

6 Practice self-care and wellness

The sixth and final step to cope with stress and manage multiple priorities is to practice self-care and wellness. Self-care and wellness are the actions and habits that you do to take care of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. Practicing self-care and wellness can help you prevent or reduce stress, boost your mood and energy, and increase your resilience and productivity. Some examples of self-care and wellness activities are eating well, sleeping enough, exercising regularly, meditating, journaling, or seeking professional help if needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?