AceShowbiz - With a career spanning three decades, Natalie Portman has gracefully navigated the pressures of Hollywood stardom, choosing roles that challenge her and cherishing the time for self-care as her children grow older.

The Oscar-winning actress, famous for her performance in "Black Swan," has openly discussed the heavy expectations placed on body image, especially in the age of social media. Portman told Grazia, "It's very hard to escape. You have to block it out as much as possible because it's extremely dangerous."

Portman's approach to managing these pressures involves minimal engagement with social media, despite having a substantial online following, and focusing on personal self-care routines. "Not being on social media, not reading anything about myself," she said.

She also reflects on how the red carpet has transformed over the years. "In my twenties, there were no stylists, you wore what you liked, there wasn't as much pressure on it," she explained, lamenting the loss of personal expression in today's stylist-driven fashion scene.

However, Portman now appreciates the glamour and care associated with red carpet events, especially after becoming a mother. "Once you have kids there's such joy in someone taking care of you and feeling like you're your best self when you're used to feeling like a mess."

Portman's recent transformation for her role in "Thor: Love and Thunder" epitomizes her dedication. She trained rigorously for 10 months, combining boxing, skipping, core exercises, and weightlifting, while adhering to a strict high-protein vegan diet.

Her trainer, Naomi Pendergast, noted her commitment, "Natalie did five sessions a week and did not miss one session for the whole time period we trained." The goal was to bulk up, a challenge given Portman's history of roles requiring her to appear smaller.

Despite Hollywood's often harsh standards, Portman remains resolute in seeking roles that diverge from her real-life experiences, finding fulfillment in characters that push her boundaries. "I want to do something that's an experience that I wouldn't get to have normally," she told Total Film magazine, embracing roles as astronauts and rock stars over more relatable characters.

Natalie Portman continues to inspire, demonstrating that true beauty and personal style come from self-acceptance and the courage to define one's own path in Hollywood.