As kids we just wanted to be adults. We wanted to be able to watch those PG 13 or R rated action films, stay out late, make money, move out of the house, or just plain be independent. Then one day it begins to happen, we graduate high school, maybe start work for the first time; then there's college. . . and more work. . and homework. . and what, rent? And um, where did my free time go? We wanted all these adult amenities but no one told us it would mean being so uber responsible. Doing dishes and other chores and getting paid less than minimum wage was enough as a kid, if someone had told me there would be more responsibility and more unfair situations when I grew older, I promise you I wouldn't have. However, due to the unstoppable force of nature in biology and mental growth, I regret to inform you, we now are the adults we said we wanted to be.

Not quit what we thought it be like, huh?

And in a turn of events, as adults we want to be kids again when life was simpler.

But hey, at least now we can watch those not-so-PG movies, make money, live on our own, and be independent. And that makes up for a lot of the disappointment growing up brought. But that doesn't make up for the weight of all the responsibility we have in life and the shenanigan that go on. Remember that free time you used to have? Probably not, right? Responsibility kinda chewed that up. Thing is, we need that back.

But getting it back can be hard. Coming home after work or school, it can be difficult to decompress and those free days we could just spend sleeping. Heaven knows we need a disconnect or else we might truly revert to being children and throw a tantrum due to burnout.

So, without further adieu, although they might not be fool proof, here at three ways to get the most out of the free time in your adult life and help remind you who you are.

1. Do what you love.

It's probably obvious for most people that doing something you enjoy can be a highlight to an otherwise dull day. But sometimes with so much responsibility and so many adult things going on in life, it can seem to us that we are just surviving in life. We work for that paycheck, spend countless hours at school and on homework, or exhaust yourself with whatever we have in life. Then, finally reaching that day off, we can waste our time watching TV or YouTube--you know, vegging. But doing what you love can put the life back in the busy season we are in. Go paint if that's what you love, spend time outdoors, spend time with those closest to you. Be crazy! Do what makes you feel like you are you again.

2. Spend time with your people.

Priorities can shift in life, and instead of people and relationships, your focus becomes the task at hand and the responsibilities you hold. Don't forget about the people in your life. Not just for their sake, but for yours. People are our support, and it's during those chaotic seasons in life that we need that collective shoulder to lean and rely on.

3. Do the opposite of what you do that bogs you down and the things associated with it--do the opposite of those too.

If you work fast food, eat home meals, if you wear a uniform, wear what you want at home, if you write a lot for school or your job, write what you want in your free time. The idea is to break free from the world a bit and disconnect and reclaim what you feel has been taken from you. If you feel like there's no fun to be had at work, make the most of your time away from it and do something exciting! So, if you find that your job physically drains you, sit down at home, put your feet up and drink some Joe in your favorite mug. You do you.

As you do these things, you will begin to see that you can start to enjoy your time off, your free time, or just plain old life as a whole a lot more by focusing a little more on the things that matter. Focus on your passions and your people and do the things that throw a kink into the monotony of life. They might seem like small things that could be inconsequentially skipped. But isn't that what being a kid is all about--having fun with the trivial things? Maybe we just need to remember that life isn't just about what consumes our time but what we do with the opportunities presented to us.