I’ve touched on it a few times about how intense the 21st century can be on us, and just how switched on we actually are every single day of the week. Sometimes not being able to shut off and connect with life in a more personal way because of being addicted to smart phones and our online presence really can hinder our life in some unexpected ways. When did our online lives become more important than the ones we live in real life?
I had no idea about these facts, but every single minute over 65,000 pictures are posted on Instagram and more than 208,000 on Facebook. That’s insane! I thought those numbers would have been high just for a full day’s statistics, but hearing that those are every single minute is shocking.
That means within 24 hours, 1,560,000 images will have been published on Instagram… It kind of leaves me speechless. I know there are 7 billion people in the world, so 1.5 million is small in the grand scheme of things, but if you think about it, it’s huge.
Every single minute over 65,000 pictures are posted on Instagram and more than 208,000 on Facebook.
I absolutely love Instagram and my social media, don’t get me wrong, I can’t be without it. It’s an amazing way to connect with people overseas and find new friends, but I’m wondering just how much social media is too much? I’m not one for Facebook, but by constantly checking in and updating your status at every given opportunity and place, are you really enjoying your time at that place and being fully present in the situation? By being glued to social media at a meal out, are you engaging in the conversation at the table?
I was looking around the other day when I was at a coffee shop and every single person was either on a laptop, had headphones on, or on their phones. I don’t really frequent coffee shops often, but I remember when I was a kid, it was a place full of conversation and chatting, but it seems like it’s gone the complete opposite way now. I’m guilty of this myself at every given moment. If I’m uncomfortable in a situation or sat around people I don’t know, I will use my phone as my life and people that I’m familiar with are right there inside the phone, so it’s a huge safety net. However, when it starts impacting my life, I need to step back, which is why I’m excited to be collaborating with ipostparcels.com on their Post For A Post campaign which is starting today – 18th September 2017! So let me tell you more about it.
Google searches for ‘digital detox’ have increased by almost 50% year on year, proving that people do actually want to switch off sometimes and step away from the stresses of the internet, going back to basics. Plus, with mass sharing of photos and having posting routines and strategic schedules to make our profiles look pretty, have we lost the emotion that comes with it? I think so, so ipostparcels want to bring the emotion back to posting!
Myself and ipostparcels want to encourage people to send a more meaningful form of communication in the form of a handwritten letter or surprise parcel instead of sending a text or posting a message via WhatsApp or social media. A care package, a sweet ‘just because’ present, a personal memento, a letter instead of an email etc. to a friend or family member that lives far away (or close by – receiving presents in the mail is always fun!) would be heartfelt and appreciated. I took a social media detox yesterday (as I’m sure you all noticed from my Instagram) and took the opportunity to mail a personal gift to someone while switching off from social media for the day. So, what’s my story?
I’m not the only one that’s going through some bad health concerns at the moment – my mum is too. It’s sad to know that hers is a lot worse than mine as she has diverticulitis that keeps getting infected, so she needs to have an operation to remove the damaged parts of her bowel. This is not so straight forward though because of a blood clotting disorder which means having the operation in the first place is actually life threatening. There’s a lot more to it, but in short, it’s not a great ‘either or’ situation and it’s been so stressful and worrying. I know stress can make everything worse because of the way it impacts our bodies, so I wanted to send a gift to my mum to make sure she’s remembering to try and relax and calm down.
I chose this gorgeous vanilla scented Buddhist candle to send to her as I think it’s the perfect reminder. I’ve been following the Buddhist way of life myself for a couple of years now and learning more about it every day, so learning to meditate and calm myself down is extremely important. Taking ‘me time’ and de-stressing is something we all need to do on a daily basis to make sure we function at our bests, and I fear my mum just doesn’t do that enough because of everything going on. I thought the Buddhist candle would be a great relaxing idea for her to enjoy the sweet scent and remember to meditate, so she can calm down.
I think the wrapping of presents is just as important as the gift inside the packaging though, as it really shows your thoughts and personality in what you choose. You can either complement the gift with wrapping paper that reflects the present, or you can choose something that’s unique to the personality of the receiver, or why not just go for something beautiful and unrelated?
I chose to go with some pretty purple floral paper as my mum loves bright colours, but as she’s really into flamingos right now, I thought the flamingo present topper was a great final touch so she knows I’ve got her in mind. The green bow and the purple hang tag work perfectly with the print on the paper, and since all of these are not related to the gift in any way, I think it will be a complete surprise when she opens it! I’m just waiting for her to say she’s got it!
For reasons of not wanting this delicate candle to get damaged and for it to be completely hidden, not giving anything away, I went with a brown cardboard box to pack it inside and wrap up…
Making sure I got it as neat as I possibly could! It’s a present after all…
And voila! This is the final gift! The Buddhist candle was wrapped up safe inside with bubble wrap (a must have for delicate gifts like this) and I don’t think the gift wrapping gives anything away at all! In actual fact, it couldn’t be more opposite since it’s bright and colourful, while the gift inside is relaxing and calm. It’s been posted and I think my mum is going to love it! That’s the reason I love the idea behind this campaign with ipostparcels. A random act of kindness is something we can all do and make someone’s day. It’s easy!
Recent research has shown that half the UK (48%) says they’ve never sent a surprise parcel to someone they know – but, 84% of us say we’d be more excited to receive a surprise parcel in the post, than a text or DM on social media.
So, ipostparcels has launched an initiative to encourage more people to send physical forms of communication like handwritten letters, thank you cards and surprise parcels.
So – how can you get involved?
On ‘Post For A Post Day’ on Monday 18th September – instead of communicating with your loved ones via text message or social media, send a surprise parcel FOR FREE.
To post a small parcel (up to 2kg) for free on Post For A Post Day, just click here and enter this code: PFAP in the voucher box.
The first 100 people to redeem the code each day between Monday 18th September and Friday 22nd September will be able to post for free, so get there quick!
So, are you going to take the social media break for a day and send someone a surprise parcel? If so, I’d love to know what you’re going to send them!
Share a picture of what you posted and the story behind why you posted it with the hashtag #PostForAPost
Lorna xx.
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This is a great idea Lorna, I too feel the squeeze of too much social media at times. Our societies move too fast today. I hope your mother will get the treatment she needs. 💕👍🏻😌
Author
Thanks, John 🙂
I have a weird relationship with instagram i think – sometimes I love it and sometimes I don’t, sometimes I’ll check it and engage with friends regularly and at other times I won’t check it for days. facebook on the other hand, I don’t really care for haha. my last post was probably over a year ago, and i only really use it to check up on bbc or cbc news. honestly the only reason I have facebook is for using messenger, lol!
My parents are buddists and using buddha as merchandise and especially decapitated buddha heads is considered disrespectful – just a little heads up!
becky @ star violet
Author
Thank you so much for this comment, Becky. I appreciate the genuine honesty here as I was completely unaware. I just researched on Google about this and I am actually shocked that I wasn’t told before and it isn’t widely spread in Western culture. I feel like as a Westerner our interpretation of paying respect and looking up to someone is by busts (shoulders and head statues – which we always have loads of – I have seen these of Jesus or Mary etc), paintings, sculptures, ornaments etc. and displaying them. I thought the complete opposite in thinking a beautifully sculpted Buddha figure like this was completely acceptable as it was for sale. I can see now, however, after reading about it that it’s a decapitation and I understand how that’s disrespectful. I also wasn’t aware that merchandise was offensive too, so I’m glad to know that.
I do have a full Buddha statue myself, a small crystal one in the meditation position, which I keep up on the shelf which seems to be the right thing in keeping them up high. I’m also attending weekly classes, currently learning the 4 noble truths, but it is concerning to me that the do’s and don’ts are not spoken about because of the cultural differences. I apologise to you and to anyone else if I have caused any offense there. It wasn’t meant at all and I’m sorry that I made such a misjudgement.
Regarding Facebook, I am like you. I don’t think I’ve posted in over a year, ha ha.
I’m not buddhist myself so I can’t personally take an apology that wasn’t meant for me – but I understand the sentiment! Cultural differences are always harder to grasp I feel like, especially if we’re being exposed to a culture we didn’t grow up with, and sometimes they’re unsaid because we just kind of expect people to know. Thank you so much for being so respectful! I feel like most people would brush it off haha, and I wasn’t sure if I said it in a way that wasn’t accusatory since a lot of people tend to get angry over ignorance. but that’s what it is, it’s something we don’t know and I don’t think our first thought should be “this is such a bad person for doing so and so!!!”
Author
Oh no I wasn’t offended, I rarely get offended, especially if what is said is my wrong doing. I take full responsibility at all times. I might have got offended if you were really rude and jumped the gun in accusing me, as it was a genuine mistake, but you didn’t, how you approached it was just fine 🙂 I genuinely appreciate you educating me on the issue. I feel like that is true actually, much like when people go to different countries with such different laws, they’re just expected to know, so I think lots more education should be in place for sure 🙂 xx.
What a thoughtful idea Lorna! Nothing compares to the excitement of receiving something special in the post. I used to send gifts in the post to friends more often, but I haven’t done so as much in recent years. Like you said, it’s a sign of the times we live in. This initiative is wonderful though, and people always love a personal touch and to know they’re thought of. I’m sorry to hear of the difficult situation your Mum is going through with her health. I hope everything will be all right and she’ll get better soon. I’m sure she’ll love the present, and will appreciate the attention to detail you’ve put into it wrapping it.
Lots of love Saba xx
http://www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com
Author
I know, it’s crazy isn’t it how the times change. I am so appreciative of instant messaging though and facetime etc, so you can see people even when you’re not near them. But that does mean that a lot of thought and appreciation of being with that person is lost, so hopefully this campaign can bring that back in some way!
it’s sad to see people watching their phone
in the street, the train, I even saw a couple with each their phone in hand
the worst, on the station platform, I saw a mother with her child, and the child had her own phone! Maybe it was 10/12 years old !!!! 🙁
When I’m on holiday, I always send postcards, some people in my relationships send me a photo by phone 🙁
but we must not blame people, I do not know if it is as in France, in Britain, but the administrations force us to have accounts Internet, and enter communications by these accounts
Author
We do have to have accounts for companies and stuff like that too, it seems like you have to have online accounts for everything these days. Glad you liked this post though, and postcards are always a lovely surprise in the mail!
Oh wow that’s a great idea. I completely agree with lack to basic communication. I am one of those people who are on their computer or reading a book at the coffee shop. I almost never talk to anyone.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Author
It’s so easy to get stuck into a great book though!
Such a lovely post darling! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Adela
http://www.hautespark.com/
Author
Glad you liked it!
I love the way you wrapped and styled the gift. It’s so cute! Thanks so much for sharing babe and hope you’re having a great week! xo
http://sassyanddangerous.blogspot.com/
Author
Thank you!
This is the cutest! And truly an amazing idea 🙂
Author
Thank you 🙂
Those photo facts are fascinating! I love the idea of sending a package to a friend 🙂
Author
You should 🙂
This is an amazing idea since everyone is so fixated on their smartphones, tablets and laptops.
xx Alyssa // STYLE VANITY
Author
Glad you like it!
Wow so true about ourselves being so into our devices, that we forget to physically connect. I try hard to be present when with family and friends. This is such a great idea! I would love to get a parcel or send one to my loved ones. Thanks for the great idea! Hope your mum gets better soon.
Much Love,
Tania
http://inspiremyfancy.blogspot.com
Author
You should definitely give it a go! It’s free to post after all!
I had no idea about the numbers,50% more of “digital detox” search, the numbers of photos posted… it is definitely insane. I always reserve 2 days a week without internet. Coffee shops are more silent now, true. I opted to avid having internet on my phone – I use it on emergencies. I think I am doing fine 🙂 I lovedthe action, the scented candle for your mother will surprise her in a beautiful way! Loved your post and discovering the numbers!
DenisesPlanet.com
Author
Thanks, Denise 🙂 I know you like statistics a lot so glad you liked the post!
I’m happily addicted to my laptop and my tablet within the confines of my home… but I don’t have a smartphone – so social media doesn’t feature when I am out and about. 🙂 So I think I’ve found a reasonable balance there.
I like the sentiments behind this entry anyhow. 🙂 It’s always lovely to send or receive a surprise gift. My best friend and I have done this for each other several times. 😀 A fair few parcels have moved between the UK and the Netherlands due to us over the last year or so. 😀
My very best wishes to your mum for her health. I hope that things improve for her soon. 🙂
Author
I think you have managed to find a really good balance there! Well done 🙂 And that’s so nice to send and receive gifts overseas! How exciting! I will let my mum know your kind thoughts too!
Woah those numbers are crazy! I agree, nowadays everyone’s eyes are glued to a screen of some sort, and just being on social media all the time can be exhausting, not to mention terrible for the eyes. I’ve always loved a good ol’ fashioned hand-written note and packages in the mail, because you know the person put in the effort. The package you’re sending your mom is lovely, I’m sure she’ll really appreciate it!
Jenny | Geeky Posh
Author
Thank you! Really glad you like the idea!
I think you’ve underestimated the number of posts per day to Instagram. 😉
http://www.statisticbrain.com/instagram-company-statistics/
Buddha can be a trap for people who aren’t familiar with Asian taboos. Search for ‘deported for Buddha tattoo’ and you’ll find a slew of stories on the topic. Asians don’t seem to mind making or selling Buddha images; they object to the profaning of them by using them for mundane purposes. I don’t think the candle-holder is a big deal. There are plenty of worse things that can be imagined.
Author
I actually have already researched that when I was looking into it, I saw a lot of deportations happened. Maybe it is down to opinion and intent, as I obviously meant no disrespect and had a lack of knowledge on the subject, so hopefully that’s put across and if I meant no bad intentions, hopefully it’s not disrespectful. It seems the stats about Instagram were not quite correct, ha ha 🙂