Jaylin Goodloe

My Sundays are very structured. I wake up and fix myself some kind of drink, either coffee, matcha, or tea. I always need a beverage. After I make my drink, I typically sit on my couch and cuddle my dog for a bit. Then we take a walk on the Cherry Creek Trail and watch the ducks. Being out in nature with my dog helps me reset. It’s a natural de-stressor and one of the most effective ways to ground myself after a demanding work week.

I’m the Director of Mental Health Services at The Center on Colfax, which provides free therapeutic services to LGBTQ+ adults aged 18 and older. I love my job and our community, but I also need to practice self-care, and my Sunday routine is integral to my overall well-being.

After walking my dog, I usually clean my whole apartment: I sweep, mop, vacuum, wipe things down, the works. Then I go grocery shopping for the week, which typically takes a few hours because I always go to three or four different stores—I get my produce from Whole Foods, I swing by Trader Joe’s for my breakfast foods, and I grab cleaning supplies from Dollar Tree. Sometimes I’ll go to Walmart and treat myself to a new houseplant, since living with greenery is also proven to have therapeutic benefits.

I’m very into meal planning, and I enjoy cooking. So I’ll prep a full week of meals, storing everything in individual containers for easy access when I’m running out the door. Once that’s done, I’ll put my feet up and read a book or watch a show I like. My Sundays are definitely “me time” and help me prepare for the week ahead, so I can show up for my community at my best. When I’m not able to do my routine, my whole week feels thrown off balance.

There’s something about waking up on a Monday morning to a clean house, with breakfast made, that just eases the transition into the work week. I love the idea of taking care of my space and making sure it meets my needs, whatever they may be. The world can feel chaotic and unpredictable, but my Sunday routine always makes me feel centered and self-reliant, giving me a deep sense of serenity, confidence, and purpose.

Glendale resident Jaylin Goodloe is the Director of Mental Health Services at the Center on Colfax.