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.

Staying Active Slows Cognitive Decline

New research found that individuals who sustained regular physical activity throughout their lives experienced a significantly slower rate of cognitive decline. Support and guidance from physicians and care providers could help individuals adopt realistic, achievable goals.

Two-thirds of troops who left the military in 2023 were at risk for mental health conditions, survey found

Surveying of 50 000 US troops who left the military determined that two-thirds of them had mental health issues. This highlights widespread issues of mental health and reinforces the importance of robust transition programs and support.

Is Your Desk Killing You?

Sitting for long hours can cause issues with circulation, weight gain and impair cognitive ability. Standing up and moving for 5-10 minutes every hour will result in better problem-solving, memory, decision-making, and attention span.

How to Talk to Your Partner About Their Mental Health

Knowing how to raise mental health concerns with empathy, patience, and skill helps preserve relationships, strengthens communication, and ensures both partners are equipped to cope and thrive.

From gut feeling to hard data: measuring mental health in today’s workplace

Measuring workforce wellbeing helps leaders identify real risks, meet legal obligations, and ensure interventions genuinely support operational performance, resilience, and mission readiness

Your smartphone is a parasite, according to evolution

This article argues that smartphones can be parasites. From benefiting consumers with communication and tools and information, smartphones have evolved to have become near-indispensable and now serve the interests of sponsors and their advertisers.

Royal Australian Navy School of Survivability and Ship Safety. Captains cabin simulated fire being attacked by BA (Breathing Apparatus) attack party.

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.