The “Save the Day” Method Will Level Up Your Daily Routine
Apartment Therapy’s January Cure is a free 20-day program that’ll help you refresh your home for the year ahead. Sign up here and get all assignments delivered to your inbox.
So far this week, you’ve picked out your “one word,” made an intentions list, and even hit reset on your living room. (And if you haven’t gotten to those tasks yet, feel free to do so now!) Hopefully, spending time at home is starting to feel even better than usual. If you are having an off day, though, today’s trick is coming at the perfect time. The “save the day” method is a quick mood boost you can do anytime.
Day 9: Step up your routine.
As much as I adore a good morning routine, sometimes I find myself feeling stressed if I don’t do the feel-good things I love to do at the start of the day. If I don’t make my own coffee or do my full skincare routine, I worry I’ve set myself up for a subpar day. The thing is, as nice as it is to start off on a strong note, it’s never too late to do something that will bring you joy or peace.
The “save the day” method, as popularized by TikTok by creator Trina Merz, is the practice of doing one thing each day to “[reclaim] the day as our own.” Meaning, if you find yourself getting lost in the lake of to-dos, chores, and work, you can pull yourself out of the water for a few minutes and catch some sun on the proverbial dock of something that brings you joy.
It can, and ideally should, be something small and simple that you can do even on the busiest of days, whether that’s leaving a voice memo for your best friend, putting a fragrant steamer in your shower for a more spa-like experience, or taking a little walk around your neighborhood.
You’ve done a lot of work cleaning and organizing for this Cure alone — this is your well-deserved chance to simply take some time to enjoy your space and the life you live in it. After all, you’re all but guaranteed to burn out if you don’t take a joybreak.
The “save the day” method is a reminder that all of the ways we clean, declutter, decorate, DIY, and organize our spaces are in service of living a better life in them. So give yourself a pat on the back, take a break, and find a small way to save the day!
What one thing did you do to “save the day” and step up your routine? Share it with us in the community forum.
More ways to participate in the January Cure:
Sign up for email updates.
Visit the 2025 January Cure page and catch up on assignments.
Download the January Cure calendar.
Join the conversation by checking out the Cure board in our community forum.
Check off that you’ve completed this task and track your overall January Cure progress here!
The Cure Program is a tradition here at Apartment Therapy — it happens every January, April, and September. Click here to learn more about the year-round program and when to sign up.
Further Reading
I Tried the 90/90 Rule and My Closet Is Now Fully Decluttered
We Tested (and Rated!) Every Sofa at West Elm — Here Are the Best for Every Type of Need
Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Know About Article’s DTC Furniture
