Scarlett Johansson says film sets are a "kind of therapy".

The actress has had a difficult year after her divorce with Ryan Reynolds was finalised and nude photographs of her were leaked on the internet.

However, Scarlett she has always found comfort in her work.

"When I'm working I can't focus on anything but the job at hand, and I think that's some kind of therapy," she said on The Today Show.

The star is currently promoting her new movie We Bought a Zoo.

She has tried hard not to let her personal life affect her work.

"I've had ups and downs. Certainly, this past year has been a lot of unexpected things in many beautiful ways, many challenging ways," she told Access Hollywood.

"You just have to kind of embrace it. For me, the most important thing is that it doesn't affect my work and it doesn't affect my private life as much as possible.

"If I could keep that bubble around myself during my work, that is really what's most important for me."

The 27-year-old is determined to see the bright side of life.

She has received a lot of love and support from many of her close friends and family.

"I've been really fortunate. I've found that I had, even in times of crisis, a lot of love around me, and people have come out of all different dark corners to support me," she explained.

"That's been a really beautiful thing. And I think I've also learned to be much more tolerant and much more patient."

Scarlett has just wrapped the movie The Avengers and is currently filming Under the Skin.

Despite enjoying her work, the curvaceous beauty can't wait to have some down time.

"I'm just looking forward to sleeping later than five in the morning. I just want to have a little vacation before I get back to finishing this job, and then just keep going," she smiled.