Body image has always been something I’ve struggled with, and the subject seems to have become even touchier as I’ve entered college.

While messages of positive body image and encouragement for self-confidence are being promoted everywhere, the underlying pressure for perfection still remains. People are receiving mixed signals from the media and their peers surrounding how they should view themselves and look. Body positivity is being preached, yet people still expect you to maintain a size two or smaller.

As college students, college is expected to be a time of freedom and fun. Fun as in late night insomnia orders to the library, post-frat party cheese sticks and ice cream for breakfast. But how are you expected to truly enjoy those things while still managing to stay fit?

While I’m guilty of all of the things mentioned above, I’m also guilty of hating myself the next morning when I’m not feelin’ so hot after one too many cheese sticks. Everyone fears the “freshman 15,” or any form of weight gain, yet still wants to enjoy that late night triple chocolate chunk cookie. How does one manage to do both?

I wish I knew. But one thing I do know is that college IS the time of freedom and fun.

If you want another cheese stick, have another cheese stick! If that pint of Ben and Jerry’s is calling your name at 10 a.m., go for it! Don’t deprive yourself of doing fun things or treating yourself every once in awhile. I’m not saying have ice cream every day for breakfast, but one scoop of Half-Baked isn’t going to make you gain 15 pounds.

With that being said, fitness is also important in college. Listen to your body. If you feel like you should workout, go for a run! If your friends are going to a Cyclebar class, try it out with them! But don't beat yourself up if you can't fit that run into your schedule.

Life is about balance. Pretty stupid to beat yourself up over eating a cookie or having a scoop of ice cream don’t ya think?

And if you do gain the “freshman 15,” it doesn’t mean you should value yourself any less. The concept exists for a reason, people tend to gain weight in college. Each pound should represent the fun you’re having, not hatred or guilt.

Size does not define you, it’s merely a number. We spend so much time worrying about what others think of us and if they notice each pound gained or lost- but for what? For an Instagram like or a temporary sense of gratification?

I would much rather experience the joy of a night spent with friends eating pizza and watching a movie than the temporary joy from that extra like on Insta.

Priorities, people.