10 best mind-relaxing anime that you should try

Mind-relaxing anime offers a perfect way to unwind with their lighthearted and fun stories. Anime has something for everyone, but when otaku are looking to escape stress, these shows provide a wonderful respite with their immersive worlds and lovable characters.

The best mind-relaxing anime exudes coziness and positivity, allowing viewers to unwind. Whether they feature gentle slice-of-life stories like Non Non Biyori and Yuru Camp or fantasy adventures like Flying Witch and Barakamon, these anime all share a cheerful spirit and are perfect for a calming viewing experience.

Soothe your soul with these top 10 best mind-relaxing anime

1. K-On!

K-On! follows the daily lives of five high school girls who join their school's struggling light music club. While some club members originally had little knowledge of music, they found a passion for rocking out together and forming life-long bonds of friendship.

Also read: 10 most thought-provoking anime series

K-On! is a perfect example of mind-relaxing anime as it embodies the slice-of-life genre with its emphasis on small delights and subtle emotional arcs. The appealing character dynamics and humor create a soothing atmosphere.

The stirring musical performances are another highlight that reinforces the themes of teamwork, passion, and unwavering support between friends.

2. Flying Witch

Flying Witch follows Makoto, a young witch traveling to Aomori to live with relatives and start her independent life.

What ensues are heartwarming tales of Makoto growing into her magical powers while discovering the wonders of the countryside alongside her family. This mind-relaxing anime has a magic-tinged rural setting that exudes pastoral charm.

Little extraordinary happens, yet Makoto's small adventures channel a feeling of new beginnings and possibility. The story has an almost fairytale quality with its endearing characters that embody kindness and community. Like a soothing balm, Flying Witch washes over viewers in comfort.

3. Non Non Biyori

Situated in rural Japan, Non Non Biyori depicts the abundantly pleasant days spent by schoolgirl Hotaru and her three friends living in the countryside. Each episode unveils the girls' creativity in having fun while unveiling the appeal of rural life.

This series is a classic mind-relaxing anime that excels in portraying honesty and wonder through a child's eyes. The girls find joy and amusement in the smallest things. Watching them run wild with imagination and child-like glee brings back nostalgia for long summer days spent frolicking without a care.

4. Yuru Camp

Yuru Camp features laidback high school girl Rin, an experienced solo camper, who soon meets avid camper Nadeshiko. Nadeshiko encourages Rin to try a more social camping experience with her and other new friends.

Few mind-relaxing anime can emulate hygge better than this one. The art and music lovingly capture Japan's great outdoors with its rivers, forests, and mountains. Learning alongside the girls stirs an appreciation of nature's simple beauty.

Moreover, the mouthwatering campfire cooking scenes inspire viewers to curl up in a blanket with a mug of hot chocolate.

5. Aria

Set on the planet Aqua, a terraformed version of Mars, the Aria series follows Akari, an apprentice gondolier, as she trains among other women known as Undines. The slice-of-life stories revolve around Akari befriending clients and discovering more about her gorgeous, water-bound city.

Aria stands at the pinnacle of mind-relaxing anime with its otherworldly charm. The surreal Neo-Venezia (New Venice) seems straight out of fantasy with its striking scenery of intricate waterways and architecture.

Like Akari, the wonder of exploring Aqua (Mars) alongside her friends infuses viewers with an appreciation for little daily beauties all around.

6. Shirokuma Cafe

Shirokuma Cafe (Image via Studio Pierrot)

At a quaint cafe in the city, animals and humans intermingle in charming tales of friendships and self-discovery. Polar Bear, the cafe owner, loves drinking coffee and dispensing sage advice to animal patrons like Penguin, Panda, and Sasako, the human waitress.

On paper, the unusual premise seems eccentric. Yet in execution, Shirokuma Cafe feels like a delightful urban fairytale and a refreshing mind-relaxing anime. The anthropomorphic characters charismatically highlight animal quirks in shaping personality.

Their light misadventures lead to comedic cultural clashes, but ultimately heartfelt camaraderie in embracing differences. Like a latte, this show radiates welcoming warmth.

7. Barakamon

After punching a gallery curator for criticizing his calligraphy, pro calligrapher Seishu Handa gets sent to a small rural island to reflect on his mistakes. City slicker Seishu gradually finds inspiration through befriending energetic villagers, especially impish child Naru.

Few mind-relaxing anime depict personal growth as poignantly as Barakamon. Watching standoffish Seishu slowly lower his guard to let in community support and nurture his art makes for profoundly heartwarming viewing.

As he discovers inner peace through connecting with childhood joys and supporting others, the island itself takes an idyll hews closer to paradise.

8. Usagi Drop

30-year-old bachelor Daikichi makes the abrupt decision to adopt six-year-old Rin, his grandfather’s illegitimate daughter when his grandfather passes away. With Rin still reeling from her father's death, the two gradually learn to become family together.

Usagi Drop is a mind-relaxing anime that few parent-child stories can match in portraying the joys and growing pains of parenthood realistically. Rin's innocence in learning to move forward tugs at all the right heartstrings.

Moreover, watching the once carefree Daikichi mature into a doting father offers immense satisfaction. Their halting yet earnest efforts at familial love prove genuinely touching to behold.

9. My Roommate is a Cat

Subaru Mikazuki is an introverted novelist who prefers solitude with only his books for company. However, his life takes an adorable turn when he adopts a stray kitten named Haru. Through adventures and misadventures with Haru, Subaru slowly begins to open his isolated world.

The beauty of My Roommate is a Cat shines through depicting an introverted man tentatively reconnecting with living beings through feline friendship, creating an engaging mind-relaxing anime experience. Haru resembles Subaru's inner child, still open to affection.

Their awkward rapport makes for hilarious and heartbreaking moments. Ultimately, the journey remains uplifting as both slowly learn the healing magic of caretaking and companionship.

10. Sweetness & Lightning

Sweetness & Lightning (Image via TMS Entertainment)

Ever since losing his wife, teacher Kouhei Inuzuka struggles with housework and raising his daughter Tsumugi alone. Their lives improve upon meeting one of Kouhei's students, Kotori Iida, who teaches them the wonders of home cooking while discovering their own familial warmth.

Sweetness & Lightning is a mind-relaxing anime where food and family drive the heartwarming essence of the story. Kouhei's devotion to helping Tsumugi thrive proves inspiring. Kotori's perky presence draws out their best selves in humorous interactions together in the kitchen and beyond.

Even simple dining scenes exude deep satisfaction from characters enjoying the fruits of their cooperation and friendship.

Conclusion

The best mind-relaxing anime excels in transporting viewers into serene worlds where they can unwind alongside endearing characters. Beyond chilling put, these series showcase the power of finding happiness and human connections through little daily joys.

Immerse in the comforting worlds of these top relaxing anime picks whenever there is a need for some gentle respite from stress.