Upon returning to campus this semester, similarly to students, many faculty feel the added pressures of being a part of campus life and building relationships, while still remaining safe. Several University faculty said they have adapted some of their habits this semester to prioritize relationships, as well as their mental, spiritual and emotional health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Since school has started Lori Sloan, assistant professor of communication, said she has taken advantage of the beautiful weather outside and has made a point to go on walks and stay connected with people. Sloan said she goes on walks with friends, while social distancing, and makes an effort to spend time with those who encourage her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re mentally stressed and put stress on yourself, it impacts your physical health, too \u2014 it impacts your relationships, your work and everything,\u201d Sloan said. \u201cWe\u2019re commanded to be good stewards of the blessings God has given us, and that has to do with the physical body and the mind.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Assistant professor of business administration Sarah McGaha said she loves staying active and uses exercise as a way to stay positive. McGaha is an instructor at Nooma, a yoga studio in Searcy, and said she uses Nooma as an outlet to place herself in a community that is encouraging and uplifting. McGaha said she has been encouraged by the community that Nooma has provided and said it has been a huge blessing to her during the past few months. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cNooma does such a good job of mind, spirit and body,\u201d McGaha said. \u201cIt\u2019s more than just your body working out. It\u2019s that connection, and that\u2019s so valuable to recenter yourself and have a safe space to be vulnerable and reconnect with yourself.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mac Sandlin, assistant professor of Bible and ministry, said one of the biggest stresses he has felt during this time is the social isolation he experienced, especially when classes went online for the second half of the spring semester. Sandlin said that as campus remained empty throughout the summer, a lot of professors missed the students\u2019 presence \u2014 something that is crucial to the Harding community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sandlin has also found walks to be a great alternative to meeting with students in his office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOn a walk it\u2019s easier to be quiet,\u201d Sandlin said. \u201cIt gives you something to do while you\u2019re having the conversation. Some students want to hang out, but some need to talk about hard stuff. A walk helps students feel more at ease. \u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Although this semester looks different, Sandlin said he still is overwhelmed with joy, simply by being with others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really all in this together,\u201d Sandlin said. \u201cWe can be a help to each other \u2013\u2013 a support to each other. We\u2019re all on one journey.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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