The Spire

Hello.  Yes, I know I missed last week.  I was having a bit of a computer issue on Monday and was not able to upload.  However, everything is back up and running.

Today I want to tell you about my new exciting little gadget called:  The Spire.

Spire Information Site

The Spire is a bit like a fitbit, as in it tracks your steps and your calories burned, etc. However, the reason I decided to try a spire instead of the fitbit is that it has an added perk that also tracks your focus, your calm, and…your tension/stress.  I have been using it for almost two weeks now and here is what I think of the product. 

My review: 

The product is different from many others in that you wear it on your person not your wrist.  You can wear it on your waistband or you can attach it to your bra, which is how I use it.  I thought it would bother me and be uncomfortable, but in fact it is not.  The fitbit I wore on my wrist and it bugged the poop out of me all day long.  It would get sweaty and was in the way while on the computer.  I never did get used to it and I wore it for a long time (almost a year).  The spire, I actually find myself forgetting I have it on.  I think the reason it is so comfortable is the design with the use of the stone.  The stone warms to your body temperature, but as it isn’t plastic, you don’t sweat under it.  However, I can’t sleep in it, which is okay as it does NOT track sleep, which I actually do miss from the fitbit.  Maybe they can add that in someday. 

The step calculator seems to be accurate.  I can’t tell if the other technology is correct or not.  I would guess that it seems pretty accurate, as when I check it while I am working it is telling me I am “focused” or while I am reading I am “calm”.  The tension indicator is why I decided to try the spire.  I was interested to see how it worked.  I find it somewhat funny, although I would have to say it does appear accurate as well.  When I am stressing for two minutes the spire will vibrate and buzz me telling me to take a break, a breath, and to clear my mind and try to calm.  It will surprise me most the time, as when I am stressing I am not thinking about the spire.  But the little buzz gives me a heads up and gives me an opportunity to try to settle down. 

When am I finding myself getting zapped the most?  Usual things like difficult moments at work, being approached by a stranger, and dealing with family issues.  The surprises were: pick ups from dance for the tiny dancer; at the grocery store while checking out; at the home and garden show when approached by hard sale people; and the most surprising of all…going out to get the mail from the box (LOL!).  I gave that one a bit of thought and I think it all comes down to the change from living out in the middle of nothing to living in a development.  At the old house I never saw anyone.  I mean, never!  Now every time I walk out the door there is someone out there.  Which is not a bad thing at all, it just takes a bit of getting used to by me, a very shy, very introverted individual. 

Yesterday, I was outside with the tiny dancer as she was working on a few tricks, when a couple stopped to say hello and introduce themselves.  Very nice people, not pushy, not over friendly, just a hello, welcome to the area moment and the spire was buzzing me like crazy.  Simple moments like that, when I get a poke from the spire surprise me.  I know I am shy and nervous around strangers, but I had no idea I was that tense and stressed over it.  It’s been an eye opener for me.  I can see I have some work to do with myself in trying to deal with stress. 

So, all in all I am very happy with the Spire.  It was worth the money and the purchase.  How often do you get to say that?