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.

Lieutenant Alexander Callan with his pet dog "Dexter", on the wharf of Garden Island Naval Base in Sydney prior to HMAS Melbourne's departure for the Middle East Area of Operations.

Pets and the pandemic: the impact our animals had on our mental health and wellbeing

Interacting with animals does appear to benefit humans, but it is not clear the precise cause(s) of these benefits and why they occur.

The Australian Army’s 2nd General Health Battalion’s Private Edie Haley with local children in the repaired and refurnished Galoa Island Primary School, Fiji.

The joys of being an absolute beginner – for life

Tom Vanderbilt argues the point that learning is not just for the young and that no matter how old you are, you can still benefit from learning new skills.

Royal Australian Navy Maritime Spiritual Wellbeing Officer Trent Bowen provides support to a sailor at HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney.

4 WAYS YOUR RESILIENCE WORKS AGAINST YOU

Depending on the context, too much resilience is not always a good thing, especially when taken to extremes.

Australian Army Reservist Private James Keyte from 8th/7th Battalion Royal Victorian Regiment, responds to incoming reports at the Police Phone Assistance Line in Ballarat, Victoria in support of Op COVID 19 Assist.

USAGOV: Common Scams and Frauds

This USA Government web site provides a list of common scams and frauds—avoiding scams and frauds could help people maintain their financial wellbeing.

Communication Information Systems Controller, Leading Aircraftman Jacob Nolan, prepares to install new software onto one of the 'Orphan' Network computers in No 462 Squadron located within the Edinburgh Defence Precinct.

7 Steps to Tidying Your Digital Life

One way to improve health and wellbeing is to reduce digital stress, which can be done by ensuring your digital life is decluttered and safe—but don’t forget to backup.

A Solomon Islands health official sprays the cargo from a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft as part of COVID-19 protocols at Honiara international airport, Solomon Islands.

2020 was a terrible year. But the world's in better shape than you might think

Covid-19 was a severe problem that affected health across the world; however, 2020 also saw many inventions that should contribute to the long-term trend of worldwide improvement in people’s health and wellbeing.

(L-R) Australian Army Reservists from the 13th Brigade, Sapper Malcolm Stewart, Private Bodhi Rowe and Lieutenant (LT) Connor Brede assists in the Australian Defence Force’s bushfire recovery support operation to the victims of the devastating Perth hills bushfire in the suburb of Gidgegannup,

From bushfires to flash flooding, what will the Australian summer of the future look like?

Our future wellbeing probably depends on us being prepared to deal with shifting weather patterns resulting in more extreme weather events such as bushfires and flooding.

Rustico Tapas & Bar in Rockingham Chef Jarrad Powell (right), and apprentice Noah De Souza, check the sauce during a small master-class run by Rustico Tapas & Bar for Australian and Spanish Navy Chefs in the galley onboard Armada Espanola (ESPS) Cristobal Colon, whilst alongside Fleet Base

The wellness industry is selling you the myth that a healthy life is expensive

Margaret McCartney—a medical doctor—argues that you do not need to spend a lot of money to enjoy real wellbeing.

A Space Surveillance Telescope used to track satellites

Galaxy Brain Is Real Looking at the long views from the Hubble space telescope might be good for you.

In 1995 Bob Williams, the director of the Hubble telescope, decided to use the telescope to point at one small spot for ten days—the Hubble found 3,000 galaxies.

Royal Australian Air Force physical training instructor Corporal Sean Colville from No. 26 Squadron uses the ski machine at RAAF Base Williamtown gym.

Joint Chiefs say mind, body, spirit all part of Total Force Fitness

US Joint Chiefs support programs that promote fitness of mind, body and spirit.