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

20 Professional Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” offers a polished toolkit for handling sick days with grace and clarity. Whether you’re in the middle of an important project or just starting your day, how you communicate a health-related absence can set the tone for your professional communication. Saying you’re not well doesn’t have to feel awkward or vague.

This article gives you real-world phrases you can use in emails, chats, or calls to sound both honest and appropriate. Each one fits different office etiquette levels—from formal to casual—while respecting privacy and professionalism. Use these to maintain a solid impression, even when you’re not in peak condition.

Experiencing Some Discomfort

When you’re not feeling your best but can still manage some tasks, this phrase conveys your condition without sounding overly dramatic.

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

A commonly used idiom that indicates you’re feeling unwell, typically due to a minor illness like a cold.

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

This formal expression is suitable for professional settings where you wish to convey that you’re not at your best.

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

A straightforward and universally understood phrase that clearly communicates your condition.

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

Check out this: 12 Other Ways to Say “In the Text It States”

Not Up to Par

This phrase suggests you’re not performing at your usual standard, often due to health reasons.

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

A more formal way to indicate that you’re unwell without specifying the nature of the illness.

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

This phrase conveys that you’re facing health difficulties without going into detail.

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

More for you: 23 Other Ways to Say ‘I’m Proud of You’

Health Isn’t at Its Best

A gentle way to express that you’re not feeling well, suitable for informal professional communication.

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

This phrase indicates that you need time to rest and recuperate, often used when requesting sick leave.

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

This expression conveys that you’re dealing with a non-serious health issue but still need time off.

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

For your interest: 16 Other Ways to Say “Hope to See You Soon”

Not in Peak Condition

A way to express that you’re not at your best, often used when you’re still able to perform some tasks.

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

A formal way to indicate that you’re unwell without specifying details, suitable for workplace communications.

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

A polite way to indicate that you’re not feeling well without going into specifics.

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

I Might Need to Take a Sick Day

A straightforward way to inform your supervisor that you may need time off due to illness.

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

This indicates that you’re not feeling well but can still perform tasks remotely.

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

A polite way to inform someone that you can’t participate in an event or meeting due to illness.

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

You might also like: 15 Ways to Say That You’re Adding Someone to an Email Chain

I’ll Be Less Available

This phrase suggests that you may not be as responsive due to health reasons.

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%

A casual way to express that you’re not at your best, often used in informal professional settings.

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

A way to convey that you’re not feeling well, suitable for informal workplace communication.

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

A gentle way to indicate that you’re unwell without specifying details.

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.”

FAQs

Can I use these phrases in instant messages at work?

Yes, many of these expressions work perfectly in chats or messaging apps, especially if you’re keeping things brief yet professional.

Are these phrases suitable for international workplaces?

Absolutely, these are written in formal workplace language that’s widely understood across global teams.

Should I notify my manager before the start of the workday?

Yes, it’s best to send your health issue notification early to allow time for any needed adjustments in the schedule.

Is it okay to follow up with a doctor’s note later?

Yes, if your company policy requires documentation, sending it after initial notice is considered good professional communication.

Can these expressions be used during remote work?

Yes, they’re especially helpful when working remotely or practicing telecommuting, ensuring you’re transparent while maintaining boundaries.

Conclusion

20 Professional Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” helps you handle sick days with the right words. It keeps your message clear and kind. When you’re feeling off, you don’t need to overshare. Just choose the phrase that fits your situation.

Using the right expressions supports your image and keeps things smooth at work. Whether it’s a short sick leave, medical leave, or just a work-from-home day, these phrases help you show responsibility while taking care of yourself.