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.

Extreme heat exposure is linked to higher prevalence of depression and anxiety

Extreme heat can lead to higher rates of anxiety and depression. The effects persist over time and hit vulnerable communities harder, signalling that heat is not just a comfort issue but a public health risk.

Why most of military life rarely makes the screen

Military movies tend to portray training and combat scenes but by-pass the routine, repetition and administrative work that defines daily service. The meaning of these mundane activities for personnel is built slowly through shared experience.

Addiction is puzzling. Scientists are trying to understand why

Using Keith Richards as a case study, the article argues that addiction depends on personal values—not mere physical dependence—showing how drugs can enhance life for some, while harming others.

Walk while you work: Are the extra steps using an under-desk treadmill worth the cost?

Too much sitting, especially at work, is now recognised as a health risk. Studies reveal a treadmill desk or walking pad can have long-term benefits, such as fat loss, and lowered cholesterol and blood pressure.

Should you exercise during hot weather? Experts weigh in as southern states swelter

The ability to exercise safely in the heat is dependent on personal factors including age, health status, heat tolerance, and exercise intensity. Risk can be mitigated by assessing temperature, radiant heat, humidity and wind.

Just a few extra minutes of exercise and sleep a day can extend life expectancy: study

Small daily improvements in sleep, exercise, and diet can meaningfully boost lifespan and health, with even just minutes of activity or reduced sitting lowering mortality risk—showing that modest, realistic changes deliver significant long‑term benefits.

Two-hour naps during night shifts may restore brain function and memory in nurses

New brain imaging research shows a planned two-hour nap during overnight work can restore memory and brain connectivity. Short rest breaks reduce cognitive decline from fatigue and support safer decisions under sustained workload.

Large study links abdominal obesity to increased risk of migraines

Large-scale research shows abdominal fat strongly predicts future migraines in young adults. Waist size matters more than weight alone, highlighting how inflammation, lifestyle choices, and long-term health risks intersect with performance and resilience.

New psychology research flips the script on happiness and self-control

Feeling well appears to come first. Higher wellbeing predicts stronger self-control over time. Discipline alone does not lift happiness. Positive emotion seems to fuel persistence, focus, and follow-through—reshaping how people should approach goals and performance.

The mood-enhancing benefits of caffeine are strongest right after waking up

Research shows caffeine lifts positive mood most strongly soon after waking. The effect fades as the day goes on. It seems to boost enthusiasm more than it reduces stress—making timing, fatigue, and context key to everyday performance and wellbeing.