London, March 13 (IANS) Actress Kate Winslet says she consciously took a break after winning the best actress Oscar in 2009 because she wasn't ready to be creative again.

"I just waited until the dust had settled and I was ready to engage with - it sounds so w**ky - my creative side again. In the last few years I've allowed myself to acknowledge the fact that I do really need my job. I need that outlet," contactmusic.com quoted her as saying.

"And so, not only did I feel good and ready, I felt good and ready to be destroyed by a role again," she added.

The British actress won the best actress Academy Award for her role in "Revolutionary Road" in 2009.

The 35-year-old, who split from husband Sam Mendes last year, believes she is happier than ever, something she is surprised at.

"I actually keep saying it out loud. Last night, I went out for a drink with two friends, and as we were talking I said, 'God, you know, I feel so good.' Not in a, 'Wow! I feel so good!' way, but just in that quiet centred way."

"I'm almost surprised by it. I feel well. I feel healthy. I feel clear. I feel centred," she added.