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 We Learn to Let Go of Fear

Fear memories are not erased, but overridden through extinction learning, where the brain actively generates new safety signals—especially via the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex—highlighting the need to build flexible, context-independent safety memories.

The Exercises You Should Be Doing for a Strong Core

Building a strong, functional core requires more than crunches or sit-ups. A balanced program should target the deep core system through varied, controlled movements to improve strength, posture, balance, and injury resistance.

Deployment playlists, then and now: from Walkmans to wireless despair

From cassettes and iPods to streaming playlists and TikTok remixes, music has remained a vital lifeline for deployed troops—boosting morale, anchoring memories, and helping service members endure the stresses of combat.

Scammers present ‘persistent threat’ to troops, veterans, expert warns

Financial scams targeting service members, veterans, and their families are increasingly sophisticated; exploiting trust to steal money and information. Such scams pose financial risks, threaten security clearances, and demand constant vigilance.

00 Why Does Every Global Event Feel Like a Crisis?

Psychological biases like presentism make global events feel uniquely overwhelming, but transitions are rarely absolute. Ambiguity tolerance, succession planning, and generational dynamics influence how individuals and organizations adapt to uncertainty and change.

Members from 13th Brigade and the Pilbara Regiment set up temporary camp style accommodation in Geraldton Western Australia, to provide a place to sleep and rest for up to 100 Department of Fire and Emergency Services (DFES) personnel.

Do I have insomnia? 5 reasons why you might not

Not every sleep issue signals insomnia—short-term stress, lifestyle factors, or other conditions can explain restless nights. Understanding these differences reduces worry and ensures the right support is sought. Consistent routine is also important.

Defence Force Cadets ration pack

What happens if I eat too much protein?

Extra protein offers little advantage beyond needs—excess can be stored as fat, strain kidneys, and increase chronic disease risks. Balance and source matter more than boosting intake. Plant protein improves cholesterol and lowers risk.

Regulating Your Emotions May Involve Some Surprising Steps

New research shows rumination, often seen as harmful, can reduce stress when shared with others. Distraction may help temporarily, but long-term emotional processing—especially with trusted partners—better supports resilience and recovery.

Players from the Australian Defence Force and Royal Fijian Military Forces compete in a championship round of the Women's International Defence Rugby Competition in Aldershot, UK.

Why do hamstring injuries happen so often and how can they be prevented?

Most hamstring injuries occur during sprinting and are the leading cause of missed game-time in running sports. Consistent eccentric training and sprint practice significantly lower risks, yet prevention requires discipline and careful workload management.

Is Burnout More Than Just a Work Thing?

Burnout, once thought to be only work-related, often stems from broader life stressors. Recent research shows personal pressures and environmental factors play a major role, reframing burnout as a multifaceted challenge requiring holistic coping strategies.