Wellbeing | The Runway

Wellbeing is essential to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it directly impacts operational readiness, performance, and overall morale. When ADF personnel are physically fit, mentally resilient, and emotionally balanced, they can fulfil their duties effectively, make sound decisions, and enhance team dynamics. Prioritizing wellbeing creates a supportive environment, recognizes the sacrifices of personnel, and improves job satisfaction and retention. It also proactively addresses mental health challenges, reduces stress, and promotes psychological resilience among ADF members. By investing in the wellbeing of its personnel, the ADF ensures readiness, cohesion, and the overall success of military missions.

An Australian Army soldier from 3rd Combat Service Support Battalion completes a Tactical Combat Casualty Care card for a patient during a simulated vehicle crash.

To prepare for future threats, treat health security as national security

Health and defence have been integrated into defence strategies in Canada, Britain, the US and New Zealand. Australia needs to do the same. Ignoring this link weakens preparedness in an increasingly unpredictable global landscape.

Major General Rose King, New Zealand Chief of Army

Lest we forget? Aside from Anzac Day, NZ has been slow to remember its military veterans

Recent changes to the official veteran definition- recognising about 100,000 more people- brings hope but highlights a long history of neglect. Veterans exposed to atomic tests still uncompensated and Agent Orange health impacts faced slow acknowledgment.

Our ancestors didn’t eat 3 meals a day. So why do we?

How did we go from one or two main meals a day, to three? The answer may lie with the British Royal Navy, which served three regular meals to align with the shipboard routine.

You Can't Out-Train Your Trauma

In the health and fitness industry, the thing too often not spoken about is that many men struggle with body image. Overtraining, binge eating, or numbing with exercise are coping strategies rooted in emotional survival.

If a Roman Emperor Couldn’t Get It, Why Should We Expect It?

At work, we often expect others to put our needs first—this can lead to disappointment. It may happen when people don’t meet their responsibilities. The key is learning to cope with unmet expectations.

Your mobile phone could help save your life. Here's how

Mobile phones are now essential tools for emergencies. They can flexibly and accurately display information on conditions, alert you to dangers, can communicate for help and provide assistance to address problems or alleviate life-threatening situations.

How long will you live? New evidence says it’s much more about your choices than your genes

A new study has attempted to quantify the relative contributions of our environment and lifestyle versus our genetics, in how long we live. The findings suggests lifestyle plays a greater role in determining our longevity.

Purposeful priorities: Why high achievers stop chasing work-life balance

An obsession with work-life balance can set people up for failure. A balance isn’t easy as we have to navigate, prioritise and accept the trade-offs that come with meaningful decisions at work and in life.

A platter of fruite prepared by military cooks as a part of Exercise Talisman Sabre 2011

Fresh fruit down, junk food up: our modelling suggests Australians’ diets will get worse by 2030

Australians' diets are expected to contain almost 10% less fruit and around 18% more junk food within five years, falling well short of healthy eating targets. Furthermore, Australians are already falling short of these targets.

All exercise improves insomnia, but some types are better than others

A new study ranked different types of exercise for improving sleep quality in older adults with insomnia. The study found that strength/resistance training had the highest efficacy in improving sleep quality.