"Every morning, I have the intention of having a productive, yet fulfilling day: answering emails, meeting deadlines, and checking off household tasks, mixed in with chasing my daughter around, enjoying a matcha latte, and getting in some kind of movement. But with my go-go-go autopilot tendencies, 7 a.m. quickly becomes 7 p.m. and I don’t have anything to show for it, except maybe an accidental epic mom bun. But what if instead, I could salvage my day by doing something that takes as little 5-10 minutes? TikTok, FTW–the “Save the Day” trend changed the way I look at my time and immediately changed my mood.
Coined by transformation coach Trina Merz, the concept has swept TikTok with over 3.7 million views, with countless people embracing it as a means to reclaim a hectic, stressful, or overwhelming day. Creator @taylorsmountainphoto gushed about the trend in a comment on Merz’s video: “This is the healthiest lifestyle tip I have seen in a while.” Ready to turn your day around? Read on for everything you need to know about “Save the Day,” an expert’s review, and how to try it for yourself.
Kristie Tse, LMHC
Kristie Tse is a psychotherapist and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling in New York City. She has an MA in Mental Health Counseling and Advanced Certificate in LGBT Health, Education, and Social Services.
What is “Saving the Day?”
Merz explained in her now-viral video that “Save the Day” means doing one short thing that reclaims the day as your own. During a stressful, busy, or mundane day, take as little as 10 minutes to do something enjoyable to turn your day around and boost your mood. Merz listed examples such as calling her mom and going for a walk or making a delicious meal, but it could also be as simple as making a cup of tea or reading a few pages of your favorite book on your lunch break. “There are honestly so many ways you can save the day, and it doesn’t have to be a huge time commitment,” she said. “Anything that makes the day feel like you had some space in it again.”
Since Merz’s concept has gone viral, other creators have shared how they’re making the trend their own: “My ‘save the day’ is my fluffy robe, face mask, and bed,” TikToker @haleyplant commented on Merz’s video; “I saved the day by stopping by a friend’s on the way home to eat and chat on the back porch,” @shelbyharm agreed; and then there’s @emikopowers, who saved her day by buying herself a bouquet of tulips. There are thousands of ways to save your day, but the point is to be mindful of doing something to boost your mood in order to feel happier for the rest of the day.
What are the Benefits?
To help you set intentions
Merz pointed out in her video that “Save the Day” can become a fun challenge when you ask yourself, How am I going to save the day today? and What do I want to do? It can help you hit pause and reset in the middle of the day when there are so many things vying for your attention, refocusing your time and energy on what you need in the moment. “The ‘save the day’ trend emphasizes the importance of self-care and intentional living,” said Kristie Tse, a psychotherapist and founder of Uncover Mental Health Counseling. “This approach encourages individuals to reclaim their time by focusing on small actions that enhance daily joy and ease.”
To foster gratitude and presence
Tse conveyed that simple activities such as taking a walk, enjoying a warm beverage, or reading a good book, can significantly shift one’s perspective on challenging days. “Mindfulness and self-connection emerge as essential components during periods of change and stress,” she said. “The ‘Save the Day’ trend stands out for its simplicity, reminding us that prioritizing personal well-being is crucial.” The process of “saving the day” invites you to slow down, encouraging mindfulness, allowing you to hone in on the good in your life, and making joy breaks a priority.
To ensure you prioritize you
Thanks to hustle culture and the impulse to be productive to earn rest, taking care of yourself often gets put on the back burner. But as Tse conveyed, “This simple act of saving the day becomes a reminder to cherish stillness and reflect on your day, reinforcing a connection with yourself.” You give your all to your work and family commitments, but by doing something for yourself (read: integrating your saving-the-day practices), you cultivate a deeper connection to yourself and enhance your overall well-being. And you don’t need permission or external validation to do it.
To help you prepare for difficult times
“‘Saving the day’ reminds you of what truly matters: a space for self-reflection, personal growth, and emotional resilience,” Tse said. “Each act of self-care, no matter how small, creates a ripple effect in your overall well-being. When you take a moment to step outside for a walk, you may find that it not only invigorates your body but also clears your mind, allowing for a fresh perspective on any challenges you face.” When “saving the day” becomes a habit, you can more quickly recognize that trying moments are temporary, and instead, focus on what you can control—how you react when a bad day happens (because they inevitably will) and move forward.
How to Try It
Think simple
Unlike some wellness trends that seem overwhelming or require a lot of time and money, “saving the day” is so simple; it doesn’t have to be a big engagement—neither the activity you do nor the time you devote to it. The key is showing up for yourself in a way that makes you feel good. Make a list of low-lift, low-pressure, yet highly-satisfying activities that you can turn to and slide in at any point of the day. From grabbing a matcha latte to stepping outside for sunlight to listening to an upbeat playlist, taking micro-moments of self-care has the power to instantly shift your mood and “save the day.”
Set a daily intention
“Each morning, take a moment to clarify what you want to achieve for yourself that day,” Tse suggested. “Whether it’s carving out time for a walk or dedicating a few quiet minutes for meditation, setting this intention helps you focus on what truly nourishes your spirit amidst the busyness.” Ask yourself, What is going to fill my cup today? What is going to make me feel at ease? And set check points with yourself throughout the day; as your day progresses, your wants and needs will likely change. By carrying out your day-savers with purpose, it’ll more easily become second nature and perhaps the highlight of your day.
Enlist a friend to do it with you
Take a page from Merz’s book and practice “saving the day” with a trusted friend. Check in with each other about your day-savers—whether it’s every day or every few days. Doing the “Save the Day” challenge together can ensure accountability, especially when you’re having a particularly down-in-the-dumps few hours or days that you can’t seem to get yourself out of. Plus, it’ll give you a built-in cheerleader and fellow reveler when you both follow through on saving your day.