Christian Slater says he had to learn how to really live.
The actor famously struggled with substance abuse and had brushes with the law when he was younger.
He explained that in the past, he would put too much focus on his career and missed out on fun and exciting life experiences.
"Whatever situation you're in, it's important to stay in the now. That's very important," he said when asked what advice he would give his younger self.
"There's nothing you can do about yesterday or tomorrow. Live in the moment as much as possible. It's hard. That's another thing I would say don't be so hard on yourself and don't take yourself so seriously. We're not curing cancer. It's certainly better than digging ditches. Now when I show up I'm a professional I keep it simple and walk through the fear."
Slater said that taking time out to enjoy travel has helped him to gain a new perspective.
He explained that now he makes sure to have a good balance between work and down time.
"I think a lot of this stuff comes from actually going out and living a life. I hadn't really lived a life. I worked and would go from job to job and didn't have much going on in between those things. I was left to my own devices and didn't experience a lot of what the world has to offer. I've been doing a lot of that now. I went to Fiji and swam with sharks," he said.
Slater also spoke about his family life and the importance of bringing up his children as normally as possible.
The actor has two kids with his ex-wife Ryan Haddon - daughter Eliana and son Jaden.
"They live in Pennsylvania and they're 11 and 13. Right now they're just encouraged to be kids."
"My daughter definitely is a kid and my son loves videogames and sports and couldn't care less. I think it's very important they get to have a childhood. I'm grateful for that."
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