20 Professional Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well”

Q: How do I text boss I'm sick?

“ Hi [Manager Name], so sorry for the last-minute text message, but I've had an unexpected illness come up, and I will have to take a sick day tomorrow. I've contacted [Name], who will be able to cover my shift in my absence.

Q: How do I tell my boss I am feeling sick?

Try saying: I started feeling unwell yesterday evening, and I feel even worse this morning . I'm not feeling well enough to come to the office, and I don't want to risk passing anything on to anyone else. I'm going to take a sick day today to recover.

Q: How do I say "I'm sick" indirectly?

You can also say, I'm feeling ill, I'm feeling unwell, I'm feeling rough, I'm feeling awful, I'm feeling under the weather .

Have you ever been in a situation where you needed to convey that you’re not feeling well, but dreaded sounding unprofessional?

It’s a common predicament that many face in the workplace. Articulating your health issues with professionalism can be tricky, yet impactful on your career.

20 Professional Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well”

Here are some professional ways to say i am not feeling well.

Experiencing Some Discomfort

Experiencing some discomfort can often signal the need for self-reflection and growth. When you find yourself saying, “I’m not feeling well,” it’s not just a physical condition — it can also represent emotional or mental unease.

Example Email:

Dear Sarah,

I wanted to inform you that I’m experiencing some discomfort today and may not be as responsive as usual. I’ll monitor my emails and address any urgent matters as best as I can.

Best regards,
Emily

Under the Weather

When you hear someone say, “I’m not feeling well,” it’s often a reflection not just of physical ailments but also of emotional and mental states.Moreover, being under the weather can serve as a critical reminder of the need for self-care.

Example Email:

Hi John,

I’m feeling a bit under the weather today and won’t be able to attend the meeting. I’ll catch up on the notes once I’m feeling better.

Regards,
Michael

Not at My Optimal Health

When I find myself not at my optimal health, it can be a cue to reevaluate my daily habits. Are my dietary choices nourishing my body, or am I relying on quick fixes?

Sleep quality and stress management are equally important; neglecting these can lead to a cascade of physical and emotional symptoms.

Example Email:

Dear Ms. Thompson,

I regret to inform you that I’m not at my optimal health today and will need to take a sick day to recover.

Sincerely,
David

Feeling Unwell

Understanding the underlying causes of your discomfort, whether physical or emotional, can illuminate pathways toward recovery and wellness.

Moreover, acknowledging that feeling unwell isn’t merely a physical state can shift your perspective significantly.

Example Email:

Hi Lisa,

I’m feeling unwell and will be taking the day off to rest. Please let me know if anything urgent arises.

Best,
Rachel

Not Up to Par

Feeling not up to par can be a disheartening experience, often leaving us grappling with physical discomfort and mental fatigue. It’s essential to recognize that these feelings can stem from various sources, including stress, dietary choices, and lack of sleep.

Example Email:

Dear Team,

I’m not up to par today and will be working from home to rest and recover. I’ll remain available via email for any immediate concerns.

Regards,
James

Dealing with a Health Issue

Dealing with a health issue often begins with the simple acknowledgment that I’m not feeling well. This realization can stir up a myriad of emotions — fear, frustration, or even a sense of denial.

Example Email:

Hi Karen,

I’m dealing with a health issue and won’t be able to come to the office today. I’ll keep you updated on my condition.

Best,
Olivia

Experiencing Some Health Challenges

Experiencing some health challenges can often feel like an uphill battle. Whether it’s a sudden illness or a chronic condition, the feeling of “I’m not feeling well” resonates deeply with many.

Example Email:

Dear Mr. Harris,

I wanted to inform you that I’m experiencing some health challenges and may need to adjust my workload accordingly. I’ll keep you informed of any changes.

Sincerely,
Brian

Health Isn’t at Its Best

When we say health isn’t at its best, it often reflects more than just physical symptoms; it can encapsulate a range of emotional and mental states.

Example Email:

Hi Tom,

Health isn’t at its best today, so I’ll be taking it easy and working from home. Let me know if you need anything.

Cheers,
Anna

Requiring Some Time to Recover

Taking a step back and acknowledging that requiring some time to recover is not only okay but necessary is crucial for our overall well-being.

Example Email:

Dear HR,

I am requiring some time to recover from an illness and would like to request sick leave for today. I appreciate your understanding.

Best regards,
Mark

Battling a Minor Illness

Battling a minor illness can be an unsettling experience, especially when you think to yourself, “I’m not feeling well.”

Example Email:

Hi Susan,

I’m battling a minor illness and will be out today. I’ll ensure to catch up on any missed work once I’m better.

Regards,
Tom

Not in Peak Condition

Understanding that you’re not in peak condition can prompt you to evaluate your lifestyle choices and make necessary adjustments, ultimately paving the way for a more balanced routine.

Example Email:

Dear Team,

I’m not in peak condition today and may need to adjust my workload. I’ll keep you updated on my progress.

Best,
Linda

Managing a Health Concern

Managing a health concern often begins with acknowledging the moment you realize, “I’m not feeling well.” This awareness is crucial; it acts as your body’s alarm system, prompting you to reassess your lifestyle choices and stress levels.

Example Email:

Hi Alex,

I’m managing a health concern and may need to adjust my schedule accordingly. I’ll keep you informed of any changes.

Regards,
Sarah

I May Not Be at My Best Today

We all have those days when we wake up and think, “I may not be at my best today.” Acknowledging this feeling can be the first step towards understanding our own mental and emotional states.

Example Email:

Dear Mr. Clark,

I may not be at my best today due to health reasons and might need to reschedule our meeting. I appreciate your understanding.

Sincerely,
Kevin

Check this out 20 Better Ways to Say “I Hope You Understand” (Polite & Professional)

I Might Need to Take a Sick Day

When you think, I might need to take a sick day, it’s your body’s way of signaling that it requires a break.

Example Email:

Hi Emily,

I’m feeling unwell and might need to take a sick day today. I’ll keep you updated on my condition.

Best,
Jack

I’ll Be Working from Home

Working from home has become a default for many, reflecting a shift not just in how we approach our jobs but in our overall well-being “I’ll be working from home,”.

Example Email:

Dear Team,

I’ll be working from home today to rest and recover. Please reach out via email if you need anything.

Regards,
Sophie

I Won’t Be Able to Attend

In our fast-paced world, many people overlook how the pressure to attend every social obligation can take a toll. By acknowledging that I won’t be able to attend, we begin to prioritize our health and well-being.

Example Email:

Hi David,

I won’t be able to attend the meeting today as I’m feeling unwell. Please let me know if there’s anything I need to catch up on.

Best,
Emma

I’ll Be Less Available

In moments when life’s demands become overwhelming, it’s crucial to recognize the importance of self-care. I’ll be less available during these times, and that’s okay.

Example Email:

Dear Team,

I’ll be less available today as I’m not feeling well. I’ll monitor my emails and address urgent matters as best as I can.

Regards,
Chris

I Am Not Feeling 100%

Feeling off can often be dismissed as a minor inconvenience, yet I am not feeling 100% could signify deeper issues that need attention.

Example Email:

Hi Rachel,

I am not feeling 100% today and may need to take it easy. I’ll keep you updated on my condition.

Best,
Laura

I Am Not in Top Form

I am not in top form can often be a moment of vulnerability, acknowledging that we all experience fluctuations in our physical and mental states.

Example Email:

Dear Mark,

I am not in top form today due to health reasons and may need to adjust my workload. I’ll keep you informed of any changes.

Regards,
James

I Am Not Quite Myself

In recognizing that I Am Not Quite Myself, we open the door to deeper self-exploration. Understanding that discomfort might not stem solely from the physical can encourage us to examine our emotional landscapes.

Example Email:

Hi Lisa,

I am not quite myself today and may need to take it easy. I’ll keep you updated on my condition.

Best,
Sarah

Professional ways to say “I’m not feeling well”

Professional Phrase	Description	Example Usage
Experiencing some discomfort	Mild and non-specific way to signal unwellness	“I’m experiencing some discomfort today.”
Under the weather	Casual idiom implying temporary illness	“I’m feeling under the weather, so I’ll rest.”
Not at my optimal health	Formal phrase showing you’re not in peak condition	“I’m not at my optimal health and need rest.”
Feeling unwell	Straightforward and neutral	“I’m feeling unwell and need to take a sick day.”
Not up to par	Implies not performing at normal levels	“I’m not up to par and will work reduced hours.”
Dealing with a health issue	Formal, with privacy maintained	“I’m dealing with a health issue and can’t attend.”
Experiencing some health challenges	Respectful phrase that avoids oversharing	“I’m experiencing some health challenges lately.”
Health isn’t at its best	Gentle way to say you’re not well	“My health isn’t at its best, so I’ll work remotely.”
Requiring some time to recover	Direct and useful when requesting time off	“I require some time to recover and rest.”
Battling a minor illness	Indicates you’re sick, but not seriously	“I’m battling a minor illness and need rest.”
Not in peak condition	Softens the message while being honest	“I’m not in peak condition and need to take it easy.”
Managing a health concern	Formal and vague enough to protect privacy	“I’m managing a health concern and may be offline.”
I may not be at my best today	Subtle and polite	“I may not be at my best today, but reachable.”
I might need to take a sick day	States intention clearly without sounding final	“I might need to take a sick day if it gets worse.”
I’ll be working from home	Implies you’re unwell but still available	“I’ll be working from home to rest.”
I won’t be able to attend	Simple way to explain missing a meeting	“I won’t be able to attend due to feeling unwell.”
I’ll be less available	Useful for indicating limited responsiveness	“I’ll be less available today as I’m unwell.”
I am not feeling 100%	Informal but clear	“I am not feeling 100% and need to recharge.”
I am not in top form	Natural expression for being under the weather	“I’m not in top form today and may need assistance.”
I am not quite myself	Subtly conveys health or emotional fatigue	“I’m not quite myself today and working light.”

How do I say I’m not feeling well professionally?

When calling in sick to work, be concise and honest, stating something like, “I’m not feeling well and need to take a sick day,” while offering limited personal details to maintain professionalism and respect for your workplace.

How do I text boss I’m sick?

“Hi [Manager Name], so sorry for the last-minute text message, but I’ve had an unexpected illness come up, and I will have to take a sick day tomorrow. I’ve contacted [Name], who will be able to cover my shift in my absence.

How do I tell my boss I am feeling sick?

Try saying: I started feeling unwell yesterday evening, and I feel even worse this morning. I’m not feeling well enough to come to the office, and I don’t want to risk passing anything on to anyone else. I’m going to take a sick day today to recover.

How do I say “I’m sick” indirectly?

You can also say, I’m feeling ill, I’m feeling unwell, I’m feeling rough, I’m feeling awful, I’m feeling under the weather.

Conclusion

In summary, expressing that you’re not feeling well in a professional setting can be challenging, yet it’s essential for maintaining workplace communication.

The phrases highlighted in this article offer a variety of ways to convey your situation respectfully while minimizing disruption to your colleagues.

20 Professional Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well”