Supernatural stars Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles
Presenters Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles of the television series "Supernatural" present the award for "Favorite Band" at the 2013 People's Choice Awards in Los Angeles, January 9, 2013. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

Jared Padalecki has explained why he bailed out on the “Supernatural” conventions in Rome and Australia in May. The 32-year-old actor reminded himself that he needs to take it slow and recharge every once in a while.

Padalecki, who plays lead character Sam in the U.S. fantasy/horror series, scared fans in May when he posted cryptic messages on Twitter about going home from Rome, where the show’s Jus in Bello 6 convention was about to take place. He apologised to the attendees, saying he must head home immediately. He was already in Rome for the event.

His co-main star Jensen Ackles, who plays his older brother Dean, explained to the fans that Padalecki “exhausted himself to the point where he had to tap out.” Padalecki also missed the All Hell Breaks Loose 5 convention in Sydney and Melbourne later that month.

Although he missed the “Supernatural” get-together events, he was able to catch up with his fellow “Gilmore Girls” co-stars for a reunion at the ATX Television Festival on Saturday. He joined show creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and stars Lauren Graham, Alexis Bledel, Scott Patterson, Kelly Bishop, Matt Czuchry and Milo Ventimiglia at the highly talked-about event.

He told Us Weekly he just needed to unplug to give himself a break. He was 17 when he first moved to Los Angeles, and since then, all he did was work. Giving himself a break from his hectic schedule was “the best thing I’ve ever done.”

“You find out you’re finite,” Padalecki, who has been open about his struggle with depression, said it was humbling to admit that he has limited capacity. Nevertheless, he was “very proud” he was able to do it.

Taking to MTV News, he gave advice to others who might be in a similar situation: “Try and remember to shift gears” and “take care of yourself.” He also reiterated the importance of family life. Padalecki, who married “Supernatural” guest star Genevieve Cortese in 2010, is a father of two sons.

Contact the writer: a.lu@ibtimes.com.au

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