How to Live a Studio-Ghibli Life in 2024

Last Updated on July 25, 2024 by Angela Vaz

Since watching Howl’s Moving Castle, I’ve been captivated by Studio Ghibli.

I started watching all the films back to back and I realized that this was the life I’ve always dreamed of living – cozy, warm, and filled with a sense of adventure.

In a way, I was already close to it because I work from home and have two adorable dogs.

But after watching the movies, I wondered if there was more I could do to make that a reality.

And the answer is yes.

Studio Ghibli is all about finding joy in simplicity, connecting deeply with nature, nurturing relationships, and embracing a sense of wonder and creativity.

So, how can we implement this in our fast-paced lives?

That’s what I’m going to get into!

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1. Grow a mini garden/keep houseplants (to help you connect deeply with nature)

It’s difficult to do so in an apartment – I know because I live in one.

But it’s very easy to keep houseplants.

Your eyes are most sensitive to green – that’s why looking at gardens/fields helps people feel a strange sense of calm.

Based on the lighting in your house, you can get certain plants.

Here are some ideas that I followed last year and my plants are thriving!:

• Bright, Direct Sunlight: Choose plants that thrive in full sunlight, such as succulents, cacti, and some herbs like basil and rosemary.
• Bright, Indirect Light: Opt for plants like pothos, peace lilies, and fiddle leaf figs. These plants prefer bright light but not direct sun.
• Low Light: Select shade-tolerant plants such as snake plants, ZZ plants, and certain types of ferns that can thrive with less light.

I have all of these in my house because certain areas get bright light and some places don’t.

I never figured I was a plant person – but I genuinely love how my house looks – it gives me a very warm and cozy vibe.

My dogs don’t disturb the plants and we all live in perfect harmony – it’s brought a lot of peace and mindfulness into my life.

2. Cook simple but nourishing meals

I have a strong weakness for food in general because I am a foodie and I spend an unhealthy amount of time meal-planning and meal-prepping.

I got all 3 of these books and I enjoyed trying out the recipes from the movies.

If you like cookbooks, I have a post on my favorite illustrated cookbooks on my other blog.

The whole idea of being a Studio Ghibli character is to slow down and enjoy the process of whatever it is you’re doing.

So, when you’re cooking – take your time.

I usually hate cutting veggies and fruits so I got myself a wooden cutting board and a Santoku knife just to make the whole process more beautiful.

Even if you’re cooking for just yourself, enjoy the process of prepping, cutting, and cooking.

I learned that even a ramen bowl can be personalized and made so beautifully.

3. Live mindfully

Live in the moment.

This means whether you’re sipping a cup of tea, or reading a good book – cherish that moment.

Don’t think about the past or the future, you have only this moment – so focus on the now.

Slow down and appreciate these little things.

Yesterday, I sat on the balcony and watched the rain with my dogs for 20 minutes, and I felt like life had paused for me.

It was magical.

4. Pick up a skill

The happiest people I know are the ones with hobbies.

They may have tiring and soul-sucking jobs but they make time for hobbies.

Because my work demands a lot of me creatively, I usually choose very relaxing hobbies that use my hands more.

So, I picked up this knitting kit for starters and I quite enjoyed it. I watched a few YouTube tutorials and I was able to knit a scarf.

Nothing beats having your pet rest on your lap while you knit with your hands.

You can do anything.

Draw, paint, sing, join a chess club, attend a pottery class, or a board game cafe.

Having a creative hobby will bring joy to your life and make your heart sing.

5. Create a cozy home environment

Think about your favorite place in your home – where do you usually reside?

Adorn that area with cute little knick-knacks and make it cozy.

For me, it’s my dining table right next to my large bookcase.

I have so many books, board games, and 3D puzzles. I’ve spent years curating my collection and it’s usually the first thing people admire when they walk into my home.

Here are a few of my favorite pieces that I was able to get on Amazon:

Since I am mostly inside my home, I’ve spent much time curating my library and collecting rare toys, books, and board games.

It’s honestly my haven and it brings me so much peace because I enjoy reading and spending time enjoying those quiet moments with my things.

6. Build strong relationships

Family and friends are important.

Spend quality time with loved ones.

You don’t have to spend a ton of money to hang out with people. You can share meals, stories, and experiences.

My partner and I frequently host board game nights and sometimes we do potluck dinners.

It’s fun!

When you treat others with kindness and respect, your life becomes more meaningful.

These Studio Ghibli films have really taught me so much.

7. Embrace adventure and curiosity

Travel.

And you don’t need a lot of money to do that.

You can take a simple road trip or just have a staycation.

Even if it’s just exploring a new neighborhood or park, keep that sense of adventure alive.

Because I am a foodie and tea-lover, my friends and I will often hit new cafes and eateries just to learn more about cuisine and experience it.

Be open to new experiences and perspectives.

Always ask questions and seek to understand the world around you.

8. Balance work and play

Please prioritize downtime.

Work is important, I get that.

But try to balance your responsibilities and make time for relaxation and fun.

Whether it’s playing games, or going on whimsical adventures or just enjoying a sport – carve out time from your schedule to do that.

Taking breaks will help break from the monotonous routine you have and it will make you feel more alive.

9. Incorporate Magic and Whimsy

Find wonder in everyday life.

Let that child inside of you thrive and never shush them.

Allow yourself to daydream and imagine fantastical scenarios.

We sometimes darken the hall, put cozy comforters and quilts all around, cuddle with our dogs, and watch a nice film together.

We pair it up with food that goes for the occasion, and we’ll plan a whole night of fun.

Living a Studio Ghibli life means slowing down and not always being in a rush.

It’s making the best use of what you have.

10. Foster a connection with animals

I know people who don’t have their own pets but they volunteer at shelters and constantly cook for stray animals.

I’ve seen their faces glow.

If possible, share your lie with pets and take good care of them.

You will enjoy the companionship and unconditional love they offer.

When I lost my mom, my dogs were what got me through that.

They were there for me and they never left my side.

If you don’t want pets, you can still appreciate and respect animals in their natural habitats.

Support wildlife conservation efforts and try to donate to good causes – we are so lucky to be able to do anything thanks to the internet. =)

11. Reflect and grow

Take time to reflect on your life, your dreams and your personal growth.

The one takeaway from almost every movie I’ve watched is that life is unpredictable.

You cannot have your whole life planned out right from the start.

It doesn’t work that way.

Life is impermanent and transient.

And we need to live for ourselves.

Not for our parents, not for society or anyone else.

Focus on becoming the best version of yourself just like the characters who grow and evolve in the Studio Ghibli films.

By integrating these elements into your life, you can capture that raw essence of what makes Studio Ghibli films so beloved.

You can create a lifestyle that is both fulfilling and enchanting!

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