Exclusive: Jennifer Aniston Taking Break From Acting, Reveals How She Copes With Heartache | Shawn Merriman: 'I’m So Dangerous Right Now I Scare Myself' | Pop Tarts Scene & Herd

Exclusive: Jennifer Aniston Taking Break From Acting, Reveals How She Copes With Heartache

After wrapping production on "The Bounty" alongside Gerard Butler just last week, Jennifer Aniston is back in Hollywood promoting her new romantic flick "Love Happens" before taking some much needed rest away from the lights and action.

"I’m going to go on an adventure, take myself somewhere. I won’t start another job until at least January," Aniston told FOXNews.com. "I want to take time off. I’m going to throw myself into ‘Echo’ (her production company) and just keep plugging away."

While the 40-year-old’s professional life couldn’t be better, she has endured more than her fair share of personal pain with a very public divorce from Brad Pitt and a string of ruptured romances - and yet the former "Friends" starlet couldn’t be more thankful for her life blessings.

PHOTOS: Click here to see photos of Jennifer Aniston.

"It’s all mind over matter, you acknowledge it and know that everything could be a lot worse," Aniston responded when we asked about her coping mechanisms for when the going gets tough. "Remind yourself - gratitude."

And although she’s been the media’s poster child for loneliness, Aniston’s "Love Happens" co-star Aaron Eckhart insisted that she’s surrounded by an abundance of affection.

"The best part of the movie was falling in love with Jen, we had a great time. I’d never met her before, [but] I’d heard great things," Eckhart gushed. "Her ease, her balance, her philosophies in life, how effortlessly she worked. She has great timing and surrounds herself with great people. Life is pretty good for her right now, she has such a good structure around her that I appreciated and they were kind to me."

Shawn Merriman: 'I’m So Dangerous Right Now I Scare Myself"

If only Tina Tequila had sat in on this interview …

The San Diego Charger has been embroiled in controversy this week as he was arrested on Sunday following accusations from rumored ex-girlfriend, reality starlet Tila Tequila, that he tried to choke her and threw her to the ground. Coincidentally, Merriman is actually Playboy Magazine’s October 20Q and admitted that he’s "the strongest ever" right now and so "dangerous" he scares himself.

"On the field, I’m a beast and a killer. I’m going to try to get you by any means necessary," he said. "But off the field, I’m not like that."

Merriman also credited his not-so-stimulating childhood for the force and drive he brings to the game today.

"I had a really troubled upbringing, and some of the unfortunate things that happened are why I’m able to do what I do now. I’m built for everything that’s taking place now," he explained.

But despite his success professionally, the controversial linebacker still had to start somewhere and was hazed as a rookie on the team.

"I had to take the whole team out for dinner. The tab was about $32,000…I felt sick," Merriman added. "I talked to nobody for three or four days."

Pop Tarts Scene & Herd

Bill and Hillary Clinton dining with Alan Patricof and his wife Susan last Tuesday evening in the front room of Nick & Toni's in East Hampton. Surrounded by secret service, the Clinton's enjoyed fresh salads to start with a plate of zucchini chips to share at the table and both opted for Nick & Toni’s top pasta entrees.

Bethenny Frankel receiving a hair makeover by Francky L’Official last Wednesday before starting to film season 3 of "The Real Housewives of New York City."

Kevin Connolly kicking-off labor day weekend with a dinner at FIX Restaurant followed by a night of dancing, champagne and beautiful women at The Bank Nightclub at Bellagio in Las Vegas.

David Arquette skateboarding on Abbot Kinney in Venice Beach on Friday, before stopping by the Baby’s (Badass) Burgers truck and ordered two man eaters.

Meryl Streep getting the giggles during a photo call for the movie "Julie and Julia" at the 35th American Film Festival in Deauville, Normandy, France on Saturday. Streep later attended the screening for the film, looking stunning in a black dress and glasses.　

Teri Hatcher giving a high five to her triathlon coach Nabil Kazi while training for the Nautica Malibu Triathlon in Malibu, Calif. on Sunday. Hatcher is participating in the triathlon to benefit Children's Hospital Los Angeles and has a Web site set up to assist in fundraising at www.teamhatcher.org.

Sharon Stone shopping for blazers, dresses and tunics at the Moods of Norway boutique on Robertson Blvd in LA on Saturday.

Vanessa Williams holding a small party at her house on Sunday for the cast of "Ugly Betty" and serving her favorite red velvet CRUMBS cupcakes.　

Fabolous performing live at JET Nightclub on Sunday night, among those in the sea of fans were none other than Ja Rule and Rihanna, who came to support Fabolous and enjoy the show. In return, Fabolous gave them both a shout-out in the middle of his set. The three partied and mingled until the early hours of Monday morning.

Eddie Murphy strolling into The Bank Nightclub with a female friend, where the two kept a low-profile in a corner VIP table on Sunday night.

Mix Master Mike of The Beastie Boys taking over the turntables at Blush Boutique Nightclub inside Wynn Las Vegas for a killer set on Sunday night.

Holly Huddleston partying the night away at Wasted Space with a large group of pals on Sunday night.

Wesley Snipes showing some love to the paps when arriving with his wife Nakyung Park to the 66th edition of the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy on Monday.　

Mira Sorvino enthusiastically talking to fans and film buffs during a photocall for the movie "Like Dandelion Dust" at the 35th American Film Festival in Deauville, Normandy, France on Monday.　

Lady Gaga taking some down time during her appearance at IFA, the world's largest trade fair for consumer electronics and electrical home appliances, in Berlin, on Monday.

Nicole Kidman laughing with her husband, singer Keith Urban as they attend the U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York on Monday.　

Bob Barker making his return to TV by guest hosting WWE Monday Night RAW from the Allstate Arena in Chicago in support of his book "Priceless Memories."

George Clooney showing off an injured hand during the photo call for the film 'The Men Who Stare at Goats' at the Venice Film Festival in Venice, Italy on Tuesday.

Mariah Carey rehearsing at The Pearl Concert Theater inside the Palms Casino Resort earlier this week to prepare for her limited engagement run which begins this Friday.

Jennifer Aniston requesting Smart Water be delivered to her hotel suite at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills on Friday (she is the "face" of the brand but earlier in the day had no choice but to sip Fiji).