Kristen Bell: How I Learned to Stop Taking "Myself Too Seriously"

USMagazine, Saturday, January 21, 2012, 9:12am (PST)

Kristen Bell is known for her bubbly personality, but according to the House of Lies star, it isn't in her nature to be so positive.

"I love my therapist. When I have an issue that I need to work through, going to therapy gives me a bigger toolbox to do so," Bell tells the February issue of Self. "Talking with friends helps, too."

PHOTO: Kristen and other stars go burlesque

"I can say crazy things to my friends, things I'm embarrassed to admit, like, 'I feel so ugly or worthless today,'" Bell explains. "They say, 'What? You're nuts!' Having good, real friends builds your self-esteem exponentially."

Bell believes she's become a stronger person thanks to her therapist. "If I'm feeling down, I have someone who I trust to help me guide my feelings and help me distinguish the real from the imaginary."

VIDEO: Kristen flirts with fiance Dax Shepard

The Veronica Mars alum admits it took some time for her to lighten up. "I did take myself too seriously in my twenties," Bell says, "but you have a series of experiences when you grow up and you have mini epiphanies where you realize you're not the most important person on the planet and life is short. I think that's really healthy."

The actress -- currently engaged to her When in Rome costar Dax Shepard -- says she's still a work in progress. "I've worked really hard to curb my natural impatience by realizing that everyone is doing the best they can."

PHOTOS: Kristen and other stasr' TV comebacks

"I'm least proud of my ability to be lazy and procrastinate by spending time on my computer or in front of the TV, watching America's Funniest Home Videos, the greatest show on television," Bell tells Self. "To anybody who pooh-poohs it, I say, 'Just give it 30 minutes.'"

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