Jim Carrey is back with a new comedy called Yes Man. He shared what it was like shooting his own death defying stunts, and offered some romantic advice if you’re feeling low. Actor and musician Zoe Deschanel also shared what it was like working on the film with such a high-energy actor like Carrey.

Q: When you look back at your own life, have you been mostly a "yes" man or a "no" man?

Carrey: I say "yes" even when I say "no." Sometimes saying no is like saying yes to your own self worth. No, I like to enjoy life; I like to engage in life, so I would say I’m a yes man. I’ve said yes to so many things from a sex change to gastric bypass surgery, it’s always paid off for me. I’ve kept the weight off.

Q: What was going on in your mind when you were filming the jumping scene?

Carrey: Death. A lot of thoughts of death, and crossing over were actually going through my mind. It was very strange. They [the stunt people] do this all the time, they got this down, and it’s no problem. Then I got to the bridge, and that was intense enough. And I went, oh my god! What have I done? What am I doing here? When I got my feet up on the ledge, it was like a freight train going through my veins and through my entire body until I jumped. It was insane. It was unbelievable. I actually had post traumatic stress after it for about a week. I dreamt of hitting the ground. So, those people who do that all the time, they are addicted to some kind of adrenaline rush that you cannot believe; they just can’t stop.

Q: When you're swaying upside down with the cell phone, was that done in one jump or more?

Carrey: I did it in the one jump. I’m always trying to complicate things. For some reason at the last second go, ‘maybe I can get that in.’ I always make it really hard for myself, so I had them make a little styrofoam phone so it wouldn’t hit me in the lip or something. And they said, ‘you are not going to do the scene when you get to the bottom.’ And I said 'no I will do the scene.' So I gave it a shot, and I did it. Once I knew I was alive, I was fine.

Q: Would you jump again?

Carrey: No, I did that; cross it off the list. They didn’t want me to do it all. And I said 'well, I’m going to do it once in my life, so you might as well get it on camera.'

Q: Was it hard to make fun of a philosophy you personally believe in; since you think very highly of positive thinking?

Carrey: No, everything can be made fun of. The most serious things are exactly right for making fun of. I have spiritual beliefs that I could make an entire comedy routine about and go on tour as some sort of spiritual guru. But it kind of goes against that I actually believe in the things. I’m always kind of caught in the middle.

Q: What is the message of the film?

Carrey: Mostly, to have a good laugh, and to feel good in your heart. I think it’s not only a funny movie, but I think you believe the love story and the friendships. There is a lot to walk away with. But I guess if there is a message it’s just to engage in life, say "yes" more than you do "no," maybe a little bit more than you did before, and life turns out alright. Usually you regret the things you say "no" to.

Q: Your character at the beginning of the film is very romantically down in the dumps. Do you have any advice for people going through that type of ordeal?

Carrey: Eat a ton of sweets, and take your life. Or go with option 2.  I would say hang in there, and invite some people over. I think the devil works for God, that’s my concept. The bad times are supposed to force you into actually getting out of your shell and going out into the world to make friendships and have love. Michael has been through hell, but he got to that place. Those times in your life force you to become a better person.

Q: [To Deschenal] Was it fun working with some girls for a change since that’s not what your used to?

Deschanel: I usually write music alone, so it was fun to write with other people. Those girls are great, funny, smart and talented. And it was a fun process. Von Iva is the name of the band, so I just joined the band for a week.

Q: What is the stupidest thing you have ever said "yes" to?

Carrey: Sea Cadets. When I was 11-years old I joined Sea Cadets. It’s a military version of boy scouts. They shave your head and humiliate you and yell at you, and parade you around in front of the rest of the people you know in the town, with a uniform on. But if I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have known I was a uselessly maggot. So, I’m glad. Yes always leads to something good.

Deschanel: I accidently entered a youth pageant when I was 14. That’s like a beauty pageant without the beauty. It was terrible. I thought it was a talent show; my choir teacher led me on.

Q: What was it like to keep your energy up against Jim’s?

Deschanel: It was so fun to work with Jim because it was so very contagious. It was always delightful, and it was wonderful. I’m a pretty energetic person myself. I think it’s always good to have different energies onscreen. It’s nice to have different characters go at different speeds, just like different people work at different speeds.

Carrey: It was nice because she’s a completely different tone than me. It was great. Our characters really worked well off each other. But I think, also, you really believe it, you believe the relationship. When we are in the barn and we have that moment, you really accept it, and you can see why they love each other.

Q: What kind of Christmas presents are you giving?

Carrey: I’m bailing out the economy, no one is getting anything. Isn’t that enough?

Deschanel: I’m going to bake things, and buy some flowers. I’m a fan of making bar cookies and brownies.