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 to escape the “dopamine crash loop” and rewire your curiosity

Dopamine drives motivation rather than pleasure, making it both the fuel for achievement and the trap of instant gratification. By understanding reward loops, we can consciously rewire curiosity and align motivation with meaningful, lasting goals.

The Meaning of Your Past Isn’t Set in Stone

This article argues that memories, and the meaning we assign to them, are not fixed. Through memory reconsolidation, we can reframe past experiences, transform trauma into resilience, and reshape our personal narratives.

The "Just-In-Case" Anxiety Trap

Little 'just in case' anxiety moments can accumulate into harmful cycles when safety behaviours, like repeated checking, provide temporary relief but reinforce worry. Recognising and resisting these urges prevents compulsion and supports emotional regulation.

Depression Is Sometimes a Muse, Sometimes a Wall

This article explores how depression can both foster creative thinking and act as a barrier to action. The dual role suggests emotional states are nuanced and contextual, not universally negative.

Four Strategies to Defend Against Gaslighting at Work

According to a psychology framework, the gaslighter’s goal is to make us believe that we, or other targets, are deranged and untrustworthy. To counter, we need both internal strategies and the engagement of others.

When School Transitions Bring Big Feelings: Caregiver Tips

This article advises caregivers on supporting children through emotional school transitions. It recommends emotional validation, feelings-labelling, and mindful conversation to help kids process stress and uncertainty during times of change.

How the Australian Public Service is promoting a speak up culture

The APS is fostering a ‘speak up’ culture using the ‘4Cs’ behavioural framework—compassion, curiosity, candour, courage—to embed psychological and psychosocial safety across agencies, enabling mental wellbeing and organisational integrity.

Lights Are Brighter Than Ever. Is That Bad for Your Eyes?

Our eyes are increasingly exposed to intense light—from headlights and billboards, to screens. This glare may endanger long-term eye health, including vision deterioration, due to concentrated brightness over compact areas.

Addiction Is Complicated, So Is Its Relationship to Trauma

The article challenges the oversimplified view that addiction is merely a trauma response. It emphasizes that while trauma can contribute to addiction, many individuals with substance use disorders do not have a trauma history.

Is it true foods with a short ingredient list are healthier? A nutrition expert explains

Shorter ingredient lists may indicate less processed foods. However, nutritional quality depends on ingredient type, processing level and added sugars or fats, making label reading essential for healthy choices. Whole foods often have minimal processing.