Beyonce Learns To Relax In Her MTV Documentary ‘Year Of 4′

After working nonstop since she began performing at age 8, Beyonce needed a break. Thankfully for us nosy pop fans, MTV gives us a peek into Bey’s year off in Beyonce: Year Of 4 documentary special. The doc chronicles how the Glastonbury headliner spent her well-deserved time off — visiting famous landmarks, spending more time with her family, recording her new album 4, and relaxing in the ocean. “I’m always happy when I’m surrounded by water,” she says, as we see her frolicking on a beach (and later scuba-diving). “The ocean makes me feel really small and it makes me put my whole life into perspective… it humbles you.” Watch all four parts of Bey’s year-long journey to discover herself after the jump.

The documentary is cut together using tons of personally-shot footage, including clips of the pop star as a kid entertaining her family in her childhood home. Jay-Z — or rather, “Uncle Jay” — makes a few appearances, as well.

The 29-year-old also touches on feeling grown-up enough to part ways with her father, Matthew Knowles, as her manager. “It was scary, but it empowered me,” says Beyonce. “It was very risky for me to set out on my own… It is possible to run your own business… Sometimes we don’t reach for the stars, sometimes we are satisfied with what people tell us we’re supposed to be satisfied with, and I’m just not going for it.”

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

[Via MTV Buzzworthy]