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.

How Happiness Leads to Heart Health

Shared positive experiences reduce stress more effectively than happiness felt alone, lowering cortisol levels and improving health. These benefits are strongest in close relationships and older adults, supporting resilience, immunity, cardiovascular health, and healthy aging.

Be Like Buddha, See Moods Like the Weather

Emotional detachment can ease discomfort, and varies across cultures; while beneficial in moderation, fear of happiness, numbness, or conditions like anhedonia and alexithymia can hinder well-being. Reframing perspectives on emotions helps build resilience and understanding.

APA guide to navigating AI-generated advice thoughtfully and safely

AI can support mental health reflection and information gathering, but experts caution it cannot replace licensed care. Proper care requires careful evaluation to reduce risks from misinformation, bias, privacy concerns, and potentially unsafe advice.

When Self-Improvement Becomes Self-Surveillance

Self-tracking can aid healthy habits but may create pressure and self-judgment. Health data can help, but lacks life context, so healthy tracking should remain flexible, balanced, and supportive, prioritising wellbeing over perfection.

‘World first’ computer-designed vaccine shows immune response in early human testing

Cambridge-led research shows an AI-designed vaccine platform producing broad immune protection across virus families, with early Phase 1 human trials confirming safety and immune response, pointing toward reduced need for frequent strain-specific vaccine updates.

Students at the 2025 Army Careers Day in Puckapunyal.

Kids on social media more than two hours a day at higher risk of mental illness

The study found heavy social media use increased adolescents’ mental health risks, especially in ages 12–13. While age restrictions help, risks persist across teens, requiring broader measures like education, parental support, and platform accountability.

Our Brains and Bodies on Meditation

Meditation calms the mind and delivers mental and physical benefits, including reduced stress and improved wellbeing. Research shows it enhances brain function, while consistent daily practice fosters emotional resilience and lasting positive life changes.

The Evidence Against 10,000 Steps for Weight Loss

Walking burns fewer calories than expected due to metabolic compensation. Exercise benefits health but has limited impact on weight loss. Sustained caloric restriction is far more effective for losing and maintaining weight.

Semaglutide and Ozempic-like drugs may improve kidney disease outcomes

Semaglutide—a drug commonly used for weight-loss—also slows kidney disease in type 2 diabetics, improving function and survival. Benefits likely stem from metabolic effects, though exact mechanisms need further research.

How to encourage a friend to get therapy (without blowing up your friendship)

Supportive listening builds safety, but if problems persist, worsen, or overwhelm you, suggest professional help. Validate feelings, express concern, and gently introduce therapy as additional support while respecting boundaries and your own limits.