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 You Breathe Is Like a Fingerprint That Can Identify You

Breathing is closely linked to brain activity. Patterns are both unique and revealing—offering new possibilities for identifying individuals and detecting early signs of mental or physical health changes. Future health monitoring could include breath tracking.

How 'therapy cats' can reduce stress and teach emotional regulation

Therapy cats assist emotional regulation by providing calm, comforting presence. Their unique behaviour and soothing can reduce stress, increase oxytocin and support mental wellbeing.

What is a trauma bond? Here's how to recognise if you're in one

A trauma bond is a psychological attachment to an abuser, reinforced by cycles of abuse and affection. It causes emotional dependency and confusion. Understanding trauma bonds empowers ADF members to recognise abuse and seek support.

Caffeine Has a Weird Effect on Your Brain While You're Asleep

New research shows caffeine disrupts deep sleep by overstimulating the brain even when it is at rest. Late night caffeine use may hinder recovery, memory consolidation and cognitive readiness – keys to peak performance during high tempo operational demands.

Neuroimaging study suggests mindfulness meditation lowers sensory gating

Meditators are more attuned to subtle signals, showing heightened body awareness and reduced emotional suppression. This can mean quicker reactions, better self-regulation and improved situational awareness under pressure.

Summer Hydration: Your Daily Water Requirements Guide

Adequate water intake isn’t always as simple as the oft-quoted eight glasses of water per day. Various factors affect required individual water intake, including body size, medications, gender, physical activity, climate, health status and altitude.

What’s the difference between “abs” and “core”? One term focuses on aesthetics and the other on function

Abs refers to visible abdominal muscles. Core includes deeper muscles supporting movement. Understanding how they work together helps improve physical strength, reduce injury risk, and support movement—especially when part of a consistent, full-body training program.

The Psychology of Sustainable Fitness

For many people, fitness starts with motivation and ends in frustration. And, because motivation fluctuates, high-intensity efforts often backfire. So, instead of intensity, chase continuity because small, consistent actions are more likely to become habits.

The re-emergence of polio in Papua New Guinea shows global eradication remains elusive

Recent polio cases in Papua New Guinea highlight the urgent need for stronger health systems—disease control still depends on widespread access, fast responses and consistent international cooperation. PNG's routine immunisation rate remains critically low.

The Myth of Belonging

Not belonging isn’t a flaw, it’s a different psychological orientation. From the moment we are born, we are wired for connection, but standing apart can be a form of integrity—not isolation.