For many of us it's our first day back at work after the long holiday break, myself included. After two weeks of sleeping in, celebrating with family, and having a restful time, it can be tough to return to the swing of things.

One of my friends said that she felt like today is the first day of school -- complete with anxiety and excitement all rolled into one.

Here are some tips to help you re-adjust to being back in the office:

• Take things slowly. Don't feel like you have to read and answer every email in your in-box. Instead, scan for those that truly require immediate action.
• Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your agenda for 2009. It may take a few days for you to assess your new year work priorities. Take your time in reviewing where you left off, and choosing which projects should be tackled first.
• Spend a few minutes re-connecting with your co-workers. A friendly smile may be just what your co-worker needs to help him or her face the day too.
• Don't forget to get up and stretch. If you work at a desk there's a good chance you've been moving around more than you are used to. It's a good idea to be mindful of your posture to avoid muscle aches.

This article on "Tips For Defeating Post Holiday Blues At Work" has some other good suggestions, as does this Wall Street Journal Item.

We'd like to know: How are you keeping your stress levels down if this is your first day back? Please share any tips in the "Comments" section below.