Getting started at work after the holidays presents unique challenges, even though the scenario plays out every January. With creative approaches, you can make the transition into the new year smoother than it's ever been.

Whether you've been away from the office or working through the past few weeks, there's no denying the change of the calendar brings a new vibe to the work routine. Even if you kept your nose to the grindstone, you'll still be faced with communication from those who took off for the holidays. While those issues may not be urgent to someone who's been handling the daily ups and downs, they'll seem top priority to those getting back in step at work.

So how do you tackle that while keeping up with your pre-existing tasks? You know as well as I do that it can't be done in a day. You also know that you'll dismiss that logic and try to accomplish everything at once. Not advisable. Let's start with email.

Prioritize and organize

Some emails are important enough for the top of the pile. This is no different than any Monday morning in the office, or the first day back from summer vacation.

Let's face it — any emails you allowed to sit before Christmas didn't have to be dealt with right away. So address any immediate needs right away, then sort the rest into levels of priority.

Move back and forth between new issues and pending projects if that suits your style. If that doesn't, break emails into folders, assigning each to a schedule throughout the day or week.

Don't get tied down

It seems as though being hunkered down in front of the computer is the best way to knock things off your immeasurable to-do list, but think a different way. Make sure you change your perspective throughout the day.

Be sure to get up and move around every few hours, even if it's only to get a drink of water. Walking away from your tasks occasionally will keep you energized to keep moving longer through the day.

And while you're at your desk, consider a new way to be at your desk. A standup desk, or a hybrid traditional-standup desk, will give you a change of pace, and a healthy one at that. If the thought of converting to a standup desk seems a little binding, start out with a hybrid, allotting an hour or two each day to standing to become accustomed to it.

Healthy away from work is healthy at work

Taking the focus away from work when you're not at work will improve your focus when you are in the office. Make a goal to finish a project or dive deeper into a hobby.

That might not have anything to do with work, but a well-rounded employee is a content employee. And painting a room in your house or simply rearranging the furniture in your apartment can give you a sense of accomplishment. It also allows you to check something off your to-do list. That's good practice for what you'll face in the office.

A new year gives you a chance for a fresh look at your tasks at work. A different approach will make that look more manageable.