Nicole Kidman "I Need a Rest"  4/21/05

Oscar-winning actress Nicole Kidman's demanding, non-stop filming schedule left her "exhausted" at the end of last year (04).

The Australian beauty's gaunt appearance triggered rumors of ill-health and a possible eating disorder, and she retreated to her hometown Sydney for a well-deserved three-month holiday earlier this year (05).

Kidman, 37, admits she pushed herself too hard, saying, "I needed a rest - and I didn't realize how much until after the first couple of weeks. I

thought: 'I need more of this.'

"When I work, I work hard, but I can easily shift into not doing a lot...

It's very easy doing nothing."

The star is now back on top form and is hoping to put the speculation about an eating disorder firmly behind her.

Kidman explains, "If I'm offered a film I really want to do, with a great script and director, I find it virtually impossible to say no. I must learn to say no more often because nonstop work can be exhausting.

"I wasn't looking my best at the end of last year."