Gallup research shows 70% of workers are disengaged from their jobs, which can present leaders an opportunity to embrace and create what Michael Lee Stallard and Katharine P. Stallard call a "Connection Culture" where team members feel valued, have a voice in the company's direction and are inspired by its leaders' vision. "This isn't just about data points and improving engagement scores; it's about creating a healthy, life-giving workplace culture that promotes people thriving and organizations excelling," they write.

Put it into practice: Your teams know when you're just paying lip service to the idea of creating an engaging and inspiring culture, write the Stallards, so leaders must model and embody the vision, value and voice aspects of the culture. "For a Connection Culture to take root, these three key elements must be integrated into the fabric of the organization's culture, policies, and practices."

Begin to slow down your busy schedule (and thereby lower your stress) by making a list of distractions that cause anxiety, take ownership of your time by declining meetings or delegating tasks and making personal time a priority, writes executive coach Joel Garfinkle. "Even though it may feel slow and methodical at first, when you consistently practice no-stress habits, you will quickly see improvements," Garfinkle writes.

Put it into practice: Beat stress by forming habits that support your mental health, such as walking in nature, breathing exercises, meditation or exercise, Garfinkle recommends. "Find stress and anger management practices that work for you and commit to regularly practicing the techniques that keep you well."

Tackle crises head-on by employing the "stealing thunder" approach of getting out ahead of bad news. Leveraging owned platforms on social media, websites and email to own the story and direct the crisis narrative can promote transparency and boost trust in an increasingly disrupted communication landscape, writes Hinda Mitchell, founder and president of Inspire PR Group.

Put it into practice: Before responding to any negative news about your company, thoroughly assess the ramifications of a public reply, Mitchell recommends, because going to the media too early may create more trouble. "It also risks extending a limited news cycle or expanding the organization's portion of the news coverage by providing content that makes the story more detailed than it might otherwise have been."

When employees set at least four daily small goals over the course of a week, 34% were more likely to hit their key performance indicators and reported improved morale, according to a PwC study. Help your teams create a goal-setting habit by teaching them how to make specific and achievable goals, supporting their efforts and celebrating small wins, writes PwC's Nele Van Buggenhout and Jamie Ellis.

The universe's three oldest stars have been circling the edges of the Milky Way galaxy for 12 billion to 13 billion years, forming at about the same time as our universe, according to a study in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Levels of strontium and barium are low in all three Small Accreted Stellar System stars, suggesting they formed shortly after the Big Bang, when helium and hydrogen dominated the universe, leaving little room for other elements.

One of the best ways to learn how to play guitar fast (otherwise known as "shredding") is to start slowly. Play the passage as slowly as possible, gradually speeding up until you are at maximum shredding speed.

The "go slow to go fast" approach is also practical when handling the stress of everyday life, as executive coach Joel Garfinkle notes. As in guitar playing, deliberately slowing down makes you more present in your activity, so you feel less rushed. Making that kind of space where you can think clearly and get a handle on the task at hand can help you advance your skill faster, whether you're playing guitar or leading an office meeting.

 "I cannot be clear enough: you deserve rest, both mentally and physically. Never feel bad about entirely 'switching off' to live your life, and don't wait until your vacation (though definitely schedule and take that, too)," Garfinkle reminds us.

It may be Monday, but it's never too early to slow things down and get more done.

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