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The Print
17 hours ago
- Politics
- The Print
Rakhi gift before polls, now strain on coffers, how Mahayuti's Ladki Bahin scheme has undergone a squeeze
But since July last year, she's got some relief—an additional Rs 1,500 a month under the Maharashtra government's Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, launched just ahead of Raksha Bandhan. The monthly stipend was promoted as a 'gift from a brother to the sisters in the state'. As a result, her income has dropped while prices of basic commodities keep rising, making it difficult for her to make ends meet. Mumbai: Shaila Jaiswal, a domestic worker in Mumbai, used to juggle work in five houses before the COVID-19 pandemic. But post-pandemic, the number has dwindled to just two. 'It is not much. However, I still have some money to take care of my expenses. And that is why when the government announced the scheme, I immediately applied for it,' said Shaila. Shaila is not the only one. Millions of lower-income women across Maharashtra stood in long queues to apply for the direct benefit transfer scheme, which helped the Mahayuti coalition win a historic mandate in the assembly elections last November. However, after the election, the Mahayuti government—comprising the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiv Sena (Shinde) and Ajit Pawar's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)—has tightened scrutiny of the scheme after it found that many women who did not meet the eligibility criteria were on the list. The government is vetting all data and striking ineligible women off the list of beneficiaries while reducing the budgetary allocation for the scheme. Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar, who also holds the finance ministry portfolio, admitted to 'mistakes' in distributing the financial assistance to all women applicants even before checking their eligibility. 'We made a mistake of giving the financial benefit to all women (applicants). We had little time to scrutinise the applications and identify the ineligible ones. At that time, elections were supposed to be announced in two to three months,' he said. 'When the scheme was unveiled, the government had appealed that only eligible women apply but that didn't happen. A scrutiny is being conducted. Only the needy women will get the monthly payout,' he added. The scheme, modelled on Madhya Pradesh's Ladli Bahna programme, was approved on 28 June last year and aimed at women between the ages of 21 and 65 whose family annual income was below Rs 2.5 lakh. But since December, the Mahayuti government has undertaken a massive scrutiny of the applicants, leading to a drop in the number of beneficiaries and drawing strong criticism from the Opposition. Congress senior leader Vijay Wadettiwar told ThePrint that Mahayuti had cheated the people of the state. 'They did this for the sake of votes. This is cheating the voters. They bought votes with government money. So now what is the point of regretting or admitting the mistakes?' he said. Also Read: Solo or together? The big question for Maharashtra alliances this BMC poll season Ladki Bahin scheme The Mahayuti government approved the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana in the cabinet after its monumental losses in the Lok Sabha election in June last year, when it won only 17 of 48 parliamentary seats. In the July 2024 budget, the government allocated Rs 46,000 crore for the scheme, which was seen as a potential game-changer for the then-upcoming assembly elections. The government at the time said the scheme aimed 'to ensure economic independence of women in the state, improve their health and nutrition, and strengthen their decisive role in the family'. The applicants started receiving the benefits of the scheme from July, when it was passed in the budget. Despite strict eligibility criteria, the government initially began providing benefits to all applicants. In the first phase, over one crore women benefited from the scheme. The then chief minister, Eknath Shinde, said the ambit of the scheme would be increased to about 2.5 crore women. According to the government, in October, the number of beneficiaries was about 2.63 crore women. This scheme is believed to have given the much-needed swing in favour of the Mahayuti government. The scheme's criteria were clear. Women whose family income was more than Rs 2.5 lakh, or if anyone in their family was paying income tax, were not eligible. Besides, family members of those working with the government or drawing a pension after retirement were disqualified. Another condition was that any woman already receiving benefits of Rs 1,500 or above from other government schemes would not qualify. Also, those who owned four-wheelers in their families were considered ineligible. The twists and turns in the scheme During the election campaign, Shinde had even announced that women could get double the amount if they voted Mahayuti back to power in the assembly polls. In the manifesto, the Mahayuti government said that if voted to power, women would get Rs 2,100 instead of Rs 1,500 per month. Concerns were raised about whether the state treasury had the funds to foot the additional bill but then Finance Minister Pawar said the calculations were sound and there was no need to worry. However, after the election, the situation began to change. The revised amount still hasn't been disbursed and the government didn't mention Rs 2,100 in its first budget after the election either. If anything, this year's budget slashed the allocation for the scheme to Rs 36,000 crore from Rs 46,000 crore in the July 2024 budget. The state government justified the move, saying that the actual expenditure on the scheme from July 2024 was lower than anticipated at Rs 33,232 crore. 'It's important to maintain financial discipline in the budget, and that has been considered … When we made estimates for the budget for Ladki Bahin last time, we realised the actual spend was less than our estimates. So, this time, we have based our estimates on the actual spend. And if you notice, it is more than the actual spend of last year,' Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said at a press conference after the budget speech. Currently, the government spends Rs 3,500-4,000 crore a month on this scheme. But opposition leader Wadettiwar alleged the scrutiny was being carried out because the state was facing a financial crunch. Currently, Maharashtra is saddled with a debt of nearly Rs 10 lakh crore. 'I feel they do not have the bandwidth and capability to handle this scheme and hence they are cutting down the funds or removing people from this scheme. Then why did you bring this scheme if you can't fund it?' Wadettiwar said. Also Read: Not Noddy, Tom & Pingu, but 'Adu, Sanju & Teju'—BJP wants Mumbaikar penguins to have Marathi names Weeding out the ineligibles After coming back to power, the state government announced that it would scrutinise the beneficiaries as it felt that many ineligible women had received the benefit. Finance Minister Pawar admitted that the scrutiny was not done earlier because of the elections. To this, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, earlier this week while speaking to the media in Nashik, demanded Pawar's resignation. 'This fraud is done through the finance department. Who disbursed the money? Who looted the state money? Not ladki bahin but ladke bhau (beloved brothers, referring to the leaders) cheated the state. You let government employees take advantage of this scheme and you did not do the scrutiny earlier because you wanted votes,' he said. Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare told ThePrint that the scrutiny was not done earlier because of the model code of conduct from October before the election. And once it was lifted in December, her department initiated this process. 'This is not new and unique. For any scheme, a scrutiny is done. In fact, it was our department that initiated this process. No one told us. Initially, a few women themselves came forward and returned the money as they were either beneficiaries of some other schemes or they shifted out of the state or for some other reason,' Tatkare said. According to the minister, women are being dropped from the scheme for many reasons. Some were eligible when the scheme was launched but later married into neighbouring states. This is especially true for districts bordering Madhya Pradesh, Telangana and Gujarat, she said. Others were removed due to death or a change in employment status such as getting a government job, which put them outside the income limit. 'One thing that is good about this scrutiny is the Aadhaar linkage. It is mandatory that women do their Aadhaar linkage and because of this, 50 lakh women got their Aadhaar linked to bank accounts so they easily get benefits from other schemes too,' Tatkare said. The women and child development department is in talks with different departments to identify ineligible candidates and is in the process of drawing up a list of women beneficiaries under other schemes like the Namo Shetkari Samman Yojana and Sanjay Gandhi Niradhar Yojana. These women will be dropped from the scheme. Tatkare said they are awaiting a list from the Income Tax Department to verify the family income of beneficiaries. Data for about 6 lakh women is expected, and those found to be income tax payers will be dropped from the beneficiary list. She also said that in January, officials reviewed records of 2 lakh out of 8 lakh women, and found over 2,200 women were government employees. All of them were removed from the scheme. The transport department is also expected to check whether beneficiaries have four-wheelers or not. She says they hope to receive the date by next month. Tatkare rejected opposition claims that the government rolled out the scheme only to get votes in the election and would now scrap the plan. 'This is a misconception. The scheme will not be scrapped, nor will the money be taken back from those ineligible women. The data will just be cleaned and updated,' Tatkare said. After the government vetted the data, the number of beneficiaries dropped to 2.52 crore by February and by May, it was 2.47 crore. Some women were weeded out because they were a part of other schemes. For instance, some 7.7 lakh women were getting Rs 1,000 a month under the Namo Shetkari scheme. And so the government decided to give them only Rs 500 under the Ladki Bahin scheme. 'These reductions are because of the overlap with other welfare schemes,' Tatkare said. Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal said the government was cheating women voters. 'Recently, the state govt took a U-turn on its farm loan waiver promise, and now by reducing the Ladki Bahin dole for 8 lakh beneficiaries, it has betrayed the people of the state,' he said. Upset allies However, even Tatkare's cabinet colleagues are upset with her department. Last month, the state government diverted some of the funds from the tribal development department (about Rs 335 crore) and the social justice department (Rs 410 crore) to the Ladki Bahin scheme. This was the third transfer this year to the scheme. The opposition claimed the government took the step because it was facing a financial crunch. NCP(SP) leader Rohit Pawar told the media last week that the government should find other ways to fund the scheme and not divert funds from the social justice and tribal departments. Wadettiwar also questioned the state government's decision to cut funding from existing welfare schemes to finance the Ladki Bahin programme, asking why support for the scheme should come at the cost of another. It wasn't just the opposition, but Shiv Sena leader and social justice minister Sanjay Shirsat also saw red over this diversion of funds. 'My department's around Rs 425 crore is being redirected. Even earlier, around Rs 7,000 crore was cut from my department and I was not even made aware of this. But if there is no need for the social justice department or nobody wants to give funds to this department, then you can close this department. Why do you need this department anyway?' Shirsat asked at a press conference. The social justice department takes care of welfare schemes for Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes, and many other marginalised castes. 'This department already faces a fund crunch and one cannot take funds out of this department as it is a mandatory department. I don't know if this is an injustice to us. I feel this is not lawful but the finance department acts in a high-handed manner. This is not right. I oppose this. There is a limit to how much I can tolerate,' Shirsat said. ThePrint reached out to the finance department for a comment. However, the officials refused to talk. But Tatkare defended the move, saying the funds were not taken from the department's actual allocation but from additional allocations. 'I don't understand why there is a misunderstanding over this? We have not touched the actual funds from the department. Social justice and tribal development were allocated an extra 38 percent and 41 percent of funds during the budget. We have taken some funds from the extra allocation. Anyway, Ladki Bahin is a cabinet decision and everyone supported it back then. So I don't see why anyone would be upset over this,' said Tatkare. However, Shirsat acknowledged the financial burden on the state, saying the Rs 1,500 payment could not be increased to Rs 2,100 a month. 'This is a fact which needs to be accepted. But that doesn't mean it will be scrapped,' he said. Tatkare also confirmed to ThePrint that the government hadn't taken a decision yet on whether or when the amount would be raised to Rs 2,100. Meanwhile, with the government busy scrutinising the list of beneficiaries, more and more women who don't fit the scheme's eligibility criteria will be dropped from the list. And women like Shaila Jaiswal, who will cross the age limit of 65 next year, will have to find other sources of income. 'I will now have to register myself in other welfare schemes from next year. I will not get any additional money, which, though not enough, is still something better than nothing,' she said. (Edited by Sugita Katyal) Also Read: How Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi e-way took shape with Fadnavis & Shinde taking turns in driver's seat
Time of India
18-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
African swine fever outbreak devastates pig farmers in Karnataka's Kodagu district
African swine fever has decimated pig farming in Kodagu district and other regions, causing significant financial losses for farmers and a surge in pork prices. MADIKERI: African swine fever devastated the pig farming industry across various regions of the state, including Kodagu district, in recent years. The virus, which affects pigs similarly to Corona, resulted in hundreds of pig deaths throughout the district. Pig farmers near Kushalnagar town and rural areas experienced substantial financial losses, forcing many to consider abandoning their operations. The mysterious illness created anxiety and business losses in villages across Gudde Hosur, Hebbale Yadavanad, and neighbouring district borders. Previously, numerous low-income and middle-class families earned substantial income through pig farming. Pork has become scarce and increasingly expensive. The virus, which exclusively affects domestic pigs, caused hundreds of casualties. According to veterinary hospital experts, the virus originated in Africa and entered other states via Kerala three years ago, subsequently spreading statewide. Pig farming, once a profitable venture around Kushalnagar's rural areas, supported rapid rural development. Pork dishes are popular at weddings, tourist centres, and homestays, creating high demand. The virus typically spreads through human movement and potentially through hotel waste used as pig feed, although experts confirm it cannot infect humans. The Kudige Pig Breeding Centre near Kushalnagar implemented strict precautions for three years, restricting public access. Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Shaila said that the centre houses over 150 pigs of various breeds and maintains enhanced safety measures, suggesting biological control as a solution. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo Dr Sanjeev Kumar Sindhe from Kushalnagar Veterinary Hospital confirmed virus-related deaths of pigs around Kushalnagar, emphasising prevention as the key defence. Experts note that samples from deceased pigs are being tested at a Bhopal laboratory. The virus, which causes death within four days of infection, poses risks to all exposed pigs, according to retired veterinary officer Dr Motaiah. He explained that 100-150 pig deaths occurred near Kushalnagar recently, noting similarities to coronavirus transmission. Pork prices have tripled in three years due to demand, reaching Rs 360 per kg in Kushalnagar and even higher in Somwarpet. The virus significantly impacted pig farmers' livelihoods, causing widespread concern in the industry.
The Hindu
11-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Gender Agenda newsletter: Troll toll
Troll toll In just the course of a week, Himanshi Narwal has received an outpouring of love as well as a groundswell of hate from many Indians. Himanshi became the face of the Pahalgam tragedy after she was clicked sitting beside the body of her husband, 26-year-old Lieutenant Vinay Narwal, moments after he was shot dead by terrorists in the Baisaran meadows. The couple had been married for less than a week and were on their honeymoon. Her stunned face became a symbol of the carnage on April 22. But days later, the sympathy quickly turned into rage. The attack in Pahalgam, which had been targeted at Hindu men, triggered Islamophobia and anti-Kashmiri sentiments — some Hindu right-wing groups attacked Muslim shawl sellers in Kashmir and some threatened Kashmiri vendors and students in other regions across India. Himanshi, resisting the weaponisation of her husband's death, asked people not to target Muslims and Kashmiris. For pleading for peace, she was viciously trolled. Around the same time, following the alleged sexual abuse of a minor girl, communal tensions spread in Nainital and protesters began vandalising the shops of the Muslim community. As a Newslaundryreport pointed out, after a brave woman, Shaila Negi, stood in the midst of the mob pleading for peace while also protesting against the 'misogynistic slogans being raised against the victim', she began to be targeted on social media. The patriarchy toolkit dictates that when a woman says something unpalatable, inconvenient, or contrary to an aggressive narrative, she must be personally attacked. And so on cue, abusers swarmed over social media, accusing Himanshi of 'being Hindu woke pro max' and of 'having many Kashmiri M friends'; and demanding that Shaila be raped. With the storm of hatred only growing, the National Commission of Women put out a statement in support of Himanshi saying, 'It is not right to troll a woman on the basis of her ideological expression or personal life.' While men too get abused online, the nature of abuse of women is different and seeks to dehumanise them. As Manish Tiwari points out here, 'While men may encounter misinformation and disinformation regarding their actions or duties, women face objectification, sexually explicit content and body shaming.' This has been the case for years, yet Big Tech's continuing failure to curb the deluge of abuse against women is dismaying. As a result, even though the digital gender divide has narrowed in India, 'a surge in gender-based violence (GBV), particularly tech-facilitated GBV, threatens to overshadow gains,' points out this piece. Writer and Karla Mantilla called this the 'gender trolling' of women. In her book Gendertrolling: How Misogyny Went Viral, she says it is becoming an increasingly common strategy of right-wing movements to keep women 'in their place'. But Himanshi and Shaila refused to be cowed down. Supported by countless women and men, they sought to double down on what they said and prevent the fanning of flames. As Gurmehar Kaur, the author of Small Acts of Freedom, said to Himanshi in an open letter: 'In your darkest moment, you have protected what is most sacred about India: its soul.' And India's soul is feminine: emotionally responsive, nurturing, and collaborative. Toolkit In her latest fictional work, Dream Count, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie focuses on the interlocking lives of four middle-aged African women. The book, 10 years in the making, explores various strands of the female experience — the beauty of female friendships, the mother-daughter relationship, of financial empowerment, but also the pain of childbirth and the horror of sexual abuse experienced by some — all with Adichie's trademark humour and satire. Read a review here. Wordsworth Sex selection: The practice of influencing or determining the sex of an offspring. According to UNICEF, sex selection can take place before a pregnancy is established by pressurising a woman to birth a boy, during pregnancy through prenatal sex detection and selective abortion, or following birth through infanticide or child neglect. In the last week of April, the Hong Kong police arrested 10 people for allegedly providing illegal sex selection and surrogate services. Somewhere someone said something stupid I just think if you were a senator, it would be hard for the kids. Boyfriend of Sophia Kianni (best friend of Phoebe Gates, Bill Gates' daughter ) when she told him she wanted to become a senator People we met Satchit Puranik, a theatre activist, found inspiration in the 'Why Loiter' campaign to cross-dress and walk the streets to find out what women experience. His play, 'Loitering', challenges gender roles. About cross-dressing, he says, 'I am broadly built, I have long hair and a beard. So, I am a strong presence in a public place. But when I wear a woman's clothes, everyone starts saying cross-dressers should be walking a certain way, looking a certain way, waxing their legs, etc. The whole act is strangely discomforting.'
Khaleej Times
26-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Meet mother-son taxi drivers who share special bond working, fasting together during Ramadan
For a mother and son duo, working together at the same company is a true blessing. Both taxi drivers, they not only look after each other but also share tips and advice on how to go about their work. During Ramadan, this bond becomes even more special as they fast, pray, and prepare meals together. After finishing a day's work, Dubai mum Shaila Thayil Kunju Muhammad, 53, would be home by half past three to prepare the day's iftar. Her son, Shafeek, 31, who has the same work hours, would also be home to help in the kitchen. 'It's a special kind of bonding for us,' Shaila told Khaleej Times during a phone call early this week from their home in Muhaisnah, where she was busy preparing biryani, samosa, pakora and other light meals, with help from Shafeek. 'We fast together, then we prepare our meals together, and we also pray together,' she added. In many families, it's typically the father who influences the career choices of his son. However, for Shaila, who has been with the Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) for nearly two decades, she took the lead in guiding her son into the same profession, encouraging him to get behind the wheel as well. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. Family's sole breadwinner Shaila, who is originally from Kerala, first arrived in the UAE in 1999, four years after her husband passed away. She had to pick up the cudgels and become the family's sole breadwinner. With two young sons — Shafeek, who was just a year old at the time, and her older son Shajudeen — she took on the responsibility of supporting her family. To ensure their well-being, she left her children in the care of her family back home. She began her career as domestic staff for an Arab family in Sharjah, sending money regularly to support her sons. Determined to improve her situation, Shaila also consistently saved money to pay for enrolment in a driving school. Her determination paid off, and she earned her driving licence in 2002 on her first attempt. She initially worked as a family driver, with a salary higher than her previous employment. But her career took a turn when she saw an advertisement from DTC looking for Pink Taxi drivers. She applied and was accepted. 'Role model for my sons' Shaila's warm and friendly demeanour proved essential for her role, especially in Dubai, where taxi drivers encounter people from all walks of life. She learned conversational Arabic and polished her English, which helped her navigate the multicultural environment. Shaila takes pride in having raised her sons well. Her eldest, Shajudeen, is a graphic designer for a sales company in Dubai, while Shafeek, who holds a diploma, joined her at DTC three years ago. Having built a reputation for herself at DTC, Shaila made it easy for Shafeek to follow in her footsteps. Shafeek credits his mother for teaching him how to efficiently navigate Dubai's streets. 'Mama knows Dubai like the back of her hand,' he said. Throughout her 19 years with DTC, Shaila has maintained an impeccable record, never being involved in any accidents or committing major traffic violations. 'I drive safely and responsibly,' she proudly stated. 'I always wanted to be a role model for my sons.' In terms of health, Shaila doesn't suffer from any major ailments, though she does need to monitor her blood sugar levels regularly due to her diabetes. Despite this, she sees herself continuing to work until she's 60 or even longer, especially now that her work has become less hectic after transitioning to a limo driver position at DTC. Days before Eid, Shaila and Shafeek traveled home to Kerala to spend the holidays with their family. Shaila said she was excited to see her three grandchildren (two from Shajudeen and one from Shafeek) again.
Gulf News
04-03-2025
- Health
- Gulf News
Foods that trigger stress: Here's what to avoid for better mental health
Sugary snacks and drinks can spike your blood sugar levels, leading to a crash that leaves you feeling sluggish and fatigued Shutterstock Wouldn't life be perfect if a scoop of ice cream could melt your stress away? A comforting chocolate scoop, topped with sprinkles and gems… sigh. But here's the reality: What you eat can make stress worse— and sugar is a prime culprit. Cookies? Another. And no, caffeine won't save the day either. You know the feeling: the tightness in your chest, racing thoughts, the struggle to focus. Stress can hit anytime—whether from work, personal challenges, or the never-ending demands of life. While mindfulness and exercise help, what you eat plays a bigger role than you think. Your diet can either soothe your nerves or send your anxiety into overdrive. The stress-food connection Dubai-based Ambika Shaila, a dietician and nutritionist explains, 'When faced with stress, our bodies release hormones like cortisol, essential for the 'fight-or-flight' response. However, chronic elevation of cortisol can lead to health issues such as high blood pressure, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety. ' Our diet plays a pivotal role in modulating these hormone levels. So, here are the foods that increase stress, explain Dubai-based dieticians. Food that triggers stress: While that cup of coffee might give you a temporary boost of energy, caffeine can increase your stress in the long run. It stimulates the nervous system, which can raise cortisol levels, making you feel jittery and anxious. You might even feel nervous, touchy and a lot more irritable. Try cutting back on caffeinated drinks or switching to herbal teas like chamomile, which is known for its calming effects. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine demonstrated that caffeine consumption increased cortisol release in people, both at rest and during mental stress. The research found that caffeine elevated cortisol levels throughout the day, with habitual caffeine consumers showing a reduced but still significant cortisol response. We all crave a sweet treat from time to time, but sugary snacks and drinks can spike your blood sugar levels, leading to a crash that leaves you feeling sluggish and fatigued. Shaila adds, 'This crash can trigger stress responses and mood swings. Moreover, highly processed foods, such as pastries and sugary cereals, can wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels, making it more difficult to manage stress.' Consuming high amounts of sugar can lead to rapid spikes in blood glucose levels, triggering increased cortisol production. A study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology found that individuals with type 2 diabetes who had flatter cortisol profiles throughout the day exhibited higher glucose levels, suggesting a link between stress, cortisol, and blood sugar levels. No, don't eye pasta, chips and white bread longingly, either. They are high in refined carbs, and can cause your blood sugar to spike and crash rapidly. This fluctuation can trigger an anxious response, as your body works to regain balance. Additionally, these foods are often low in nutrients, leaving you feeling drained and irritable. Trans fats, found in many processed and packaged foods like baked goods and fast food, can increase inflammation in the body, which is linked to heightened stress. These fats also impair the body's ability to manage blood sugar, potentially causing more energy fluctuations and stress. Instead, you can look for food that soothes your stress. Dark, leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and Swiss chard are rich in magnesium, a mineral known to help regulate the body's stress response, suggest Shaila. Magnesium has a calming effect on the nervous system and can reduce the symptoms of anxiety. Try incorporating these greens into salads, smoothies, or sautés. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fatty fish like salmon, mackerel, and sardines, have been shown to reduce inflammation and lower cortisol levels. These healthy fats support brain health and improve mood, making them a great addition to any stress-reducing meal plan. Aim for at least two servings of fatty fish per week for maximum benefits. Neha Patel, a Dubai-based dietician breaks it down: Almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, and flaxseeds are packed with nutrients that help combat stress. They're high in vitamin E, which can protect your body from the damaging effects of oxidative stress, and magnesium, which helps relax the muscles and nervous system. A handful of these as a snack or added to your morning oatmeal can help keep your stress levels in check. Blueberries, strawberries, and raspberries are rich in antioxidants, which protect the body from oxidative stress. The compounds in berries also help lower levels of cortisol, which can reduce stress and improve overall mood. Incorporate them into your diet as a snack, in smoothies, or as a topping for yogurt. Unlike refined carbs, whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats are rich in fibre, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels and promote steady energy. Whole grains also contain B vitamins, which play a key role in reducing stress and supporting brain function. That's right, they don't just make for cute merchandise. Rich in healthy fats, fibre and potassium, avocados help reduce blood pressure and promote heart health, both of which can be affected by chronic stress. The monounsaturated fats in avocados also help stabilize blood sugar levels, preventing the blood sugar spikes and crashes that can trigger stress. Chamomile, valerian root, and lavender tea are well-known for their calming effects. These herbal teas help relax the nervous system and can promote better sleep, making them a great option for managing stress before bedtime. Sipping on a cup of herbal tea after a stressful day can help soothe your nerves and restore balance. So, how do you build a stress-reducing meal plan? Creating a diet that helps manage stress involves focusing on whole, nutrient-dense foods and cutting back on those that trigger stress. Here are simple suggestions for crafting meals that support a calm and balanced mind: Start your day with a nourishing breakfast: Oats or whole grain toast topped with avocado and berries. Pair with a cup of green tea to start your day with antioxidants and stress-reducing nutrients. Lunch with leafy greens and healthy fats: A salad made with spinach or kale, topped with grilled salmon or chicken, nuts, seeds, and olive oil, can provide a dose of omega-3s, magnesium, and protein. Snack smartly: Instead of reaching for sugary treats, grab a handful of nuts, a piece of dark chocolate, or a small serving of berries to keep your blood sugar stable and your mind calm. Dinner with omega-3-rich foods: A piece of baked mackerel with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli is a great way to support brain health and relax before bedtime. Hydrate with herbal tea: Swap sugary drinks for calming herbal teas like chamomile or lavender to help unwind in the evening. Sign up for the Daily Briefing Get the latest news and updates straight to your inbox
