Mood rings first became popular in the 1970s and were made from liquid crystals that would change color based on the temperature of the skin. When a mood ring turns blue, it typically indicates that the wearer is feeling relaxed, calm, and emotionally balanced. The exact meaning can vary slightly based on the specific shade of blue.
Darker blues tend to signal deeper tranquility, while light or pale blues suggest more mild serenity. When blue turns up on a mood ring reading, it’s a sign that the person is in a peaceful, steady, and harmonious state of mind. Let’s explore some of the reasons why blue mood ring readings emerge.
Lowered Heart Rate and Blood Pressure
One of the main physical reasons a mood ring will turn blue is that the wearer’s heart rate and blood pressure have decreased from an excited state down to a more relaxed and unfazed level. When someone is stressed, anxious, angry, afraid, embarrassed, or otherwise emotionally stimulated, their heart starts beating faster as part of the fight-or-flight response.
Adrenaline is released, quickening pulse and respiration rates to prepare the body to deal with perceived threats or challenges. As this agitated state subsides, the parasympathetic nervous system kicks in to reverse the effects. Heart rate and blood pressure decline as the body returns to equilibrium. This lowered physiological arousal is picked up by the heat-sensitive liquid crystals in mood rings.
| Heart Rate Range | Blood Pressure Range | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| 100-140 bpm | 140-180 mm Hg systolic | Anxious, excited |
| 60-100 bpm | 90-140 mm Hg systolic | Calm, relaxed |
Relief from Stressors
On a psychological level, a blue mood ring reading can signal relief from whatever was previously causing stress, anger, worry, or overstimulation. When the source of negative emotions is resolved or removed, it’s natural for the mind and body to return to a more balanced state. This could happen after a heated argument is settled, an stressful event ends, or the person stops ruminating about problems and takes time to relax.
Absence of mental stressors and emotionally charged situations is one of the primary reasons mood rings turn blue. Freedom from psychological burdens and inner turbulence results in decreased internal tension, slowing heart rate, lowering blood pressure, and inducing calmness.
Peace of Mind
A blue mood ring can also indicate a general state of peace of mind in which the person feels patient, tranquil, and quietly content. This could arise after meditation, time spent in nature, listening to music, or any activity that creates stillness in the mind. When the mind is calm and thoughts are still, the body naturally relaxes as well.
Peace of mind also emerges when someone feels they have a solid understanding of themselves and the world around them. Confidence, inner harmony, and freedom from excessive wanting and clinging all contribute to serene states signified by blue mood ring readings.
Positive Situations and Activities
The environment and situations people find themselves in impact mood ring colors. Engaging in a favorite hobby, laughing with friends, cuddling a pet, achieving a goal, or any other positively-valenced activities can induce temporary states of inner peace and contentment.
When we’re doing something we enjoy, particularly with people we like, tensions fade away as feel-good neurochemicals like dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin get released. The body enters a relaxed and lowered-arousal mode, causing mood rings to turn blue.
Rest, Rejuvenation and Recharging
Periods of rest where both the mind and body can rejuvenate are also prime times for blue mood ring readings. Getting enough sleep allows the body to repair itself and restore balance. The heart rate lowers, muscles relax, breathing deepens, and circulation improves as the parasympathetic nervous system assumes command.
Blue can also show up after a respite from work, a nap, or any extended period of quietude where the batteries can metaphorically recharge. Taking a break from constant stimuli and activity replenishes inner resources to deal with stress, allowing mood to stabilize.
Foods and Substances
In some cases, blue mood ring readings arise due to the effects of certain foods, supplements, or recreational substances. Compounds and chemicals that are sedative, depressant, or relaxant in nature will dampen the central nervous system and induce lower physiological arousal. These include:
- Alcohol
- Marijuana
- Kava kava
- Valerian
- Chamomile
- Passionflower
- Glycine
- GABA
- L-theanine
- Magnesium
- 5-HTP
Consuming substantial amounts of the above substances can put the body in a chilled out state, registered by mood rings as tranquil blue tones. This applies mainly to short term use, as ongoing consumption often builds tolerance.
Medical Conditions
In some instances, persistently blue mood ring readings may indicate physical health problems that result in lethargy, low energy, and feelings of calm due to illness. Issues like anemia, low blood pressure, hypothyroidism, electrolyte imbalances, and malnutrition can all cause fatigue, weakness, and low physiological arousal.
Certain medications used to treat medical conditions can also lead to blue mood rings, such as antidepressants, blood pressure lowering drugs, and muscle relaxants. Consulting a doctor is wise if blue readings accompany other unexplained symptoms or persist beyond normal durations.
Personality and Temperament
Some people are simply more prone to relaxed and peaceful emotional states than others. Personality plays a large role in baseline mood and arousal levels. Those who score high on introversion and emotional stability on testing tend to experience less inner turmoil. Their bodies shift into lower-gear states more readily and frequently.
Likewise, people with easy-going, cooperative, and peaceful temperaments will fall into blue mood ring readings more easily. Not everyone has the frenetic “type A” style that coincides with frequent stimulated, energetic arousal. For those with mellower dispositions, blue is a common mood ring color.
Conclusion
In summary, blue mood ring readings have a complex array of potential causes. Lowered heart rate and blood pressure, relief from stressors, peace of mind, enjoyable activities, rest, substances, medical factors, and innate personality are all contributing factors. The common thread is reduced autonomic system arousal and relaxation of both mind and body.
For most wearers, blue rings are a positive sign of mental tranquility and freedom from unsettling emotions. Occasionally, persistently blue readings can signal issues like depression or health problems if they occur outside of appropriate contexts. Understanding your own natural rhythm and arousal states allows proper interpretation.
With reasonable expectations, mood rings can increase self-awareness around emotions and provide helpful biofeedback. A blue reading is generally welcome news for both mind and body. It demonstrates resilience after stress, as well as the capacity to settle into calmer states. Blue reminds us that equanimity and inner quietude are always available if we allow them.
