Beyoncé Knowles has reportedly advised Rihanna to take 2012 off.

Beyoncé famously decided against focusing on her career in 2010 so she could spend time with her husband Jay-Z and enjoy relaxing.

Rihanna has been working hard of late, and it's started to take its toll. She had to cancel some tour dates after falling ill and was booed on stage by fans recently who were disappointed in her performance.

With her new album Talk That Talk now out, she is said to be feeling overwhelmed and has turned to her friend Beyoncé for help.

'She had a bad moment last week when she nearly pulled out of all her shows before Christmas but instead she picked up the phone and rang her friend Beyoncé for advice,' a source told Look magazine.

'Bey told Rihanna she thinks maybe she should take 2012 off. She totally understands why Rihanna feels lonely and like her life has spiralled out of control.'

The younger star is now said to be considering what her mentor has told her.

Rihanna has also been spending increased amounts of time with her Brother Rorrey, who also wants her to take things easy.