(Cover) - EN Showbiz - George Clooney has cut down on his drinking because he “can’t stand” wasting the next day being hungover.

The 49-year-old actor has become more and more determined to enjoy his life as he gets older. He loves making movies, and works hard when he’s on set, but says he has become “extremely disciplined” when it comes to making time for his personal life.

"You have to be willing to work hard to create your own sense of freedom and that's where the real art of living comes in,” he explained to British newspaper The Sun.

"I probably have as much fun as anyone but I'm extremely disciplined when it comes to dividing my time between work and play.

"I don't even drink as much as I used to because I just can't stand wasting the next day recovering from a hangover any more."

George’s life changed when he purchased a home on Lake Como in Italy several years ago. He now spends most of his time at the villa, and says it has helped him develop a life away from the cameras.

He started dating Italian TV presenter Elisabetta Canalis more than a year ago, and has never been happier. His career is going from strength to strength and he can’t wait to see what the future holds.

"I still feel I haven't done my best work although I've at least put myself in the position where I can keep doing what I love and enjoy the process,” he said.

"That, for me, is what it's all about. I've had a pretty good plan which I've been following for the last ten years or so in terms of becoming a director, developing my own projects and taking my work to the next level.

"I even have a bit of a personal life these days. I don't want to make anyone sick, but things are going pretty well for me." (C) Cover Media