30+ Other Ways to Say “I Am Not Feeling Well in an Email”

“Expressing illness professionally requires tact and clarity.”

In professional communication, expressing that you’re unwell requires a balance of clarity and professionalism. Whether you’re informing your manager, colleagues, or clients, it’s important to convey the message without causing confusion or seeming unprofessional.

This blog provides a collection of alternatives to help you articulate your situation clearly and respectfully in an email. Each option ensures that your message maintains a professional tone while communicating your unavailability effectively.

These phrases will help you handle such situations tactfully while preserving workplace etiquette. Let’s explore how to express your condition thoughtfully.

Other Ways to Say “I Am Not Feeling Well in an Email”

1. “I’m Feeling Under the Weather”

Scenario: For casual communication within a professional setting.
Example 1: “I’m feeling under the weather today, so I’ll be resting and will respond tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling under the weather and may not be able to join today’s meeting.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys your situation in a subtle, professional manner.

2. “I’m Not Feeling My Best Today”

Scenario: When you want to keep the tone light and professional.
Example 1: “I’m not feeling my best today, so I’ll be stepping away to recover.”
Example 2: “I’m not feeling my best and might need to delay my tasks slightly.”
Explanation: It reflects your state without being overly descriptive.

3. “I’m Feeling a Bit Unwell”

Scenario: When you need to communicate your condition without sounding alarming.
Example 1: “I’m feeling a bit unwell today, so I’ll be unavailable for a few hours.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling a bit unwell and will need to reschedule our discussion.”
Explanation: This phrase maintains a professional tone while clearly stating your situation.

4. “I’m Not Feeling Well Enough to Work Today”

Scenario: For situations requiring a clear statement of unavailability.
Example 1: “I’m not feeling well enough to work today; I’ll catch up as soon as I recover.”
Example 2: “I’m not feeling well enough to work and may need an additional day to rest.”
Explanation: It clearly communicates your inability to work without overexplaining.

5. “I’m Experiencing Some Health Issues”

Scenario: For more formal communication about health concerns.
Example 1: “I’m experiencing some health issues and will need to take the day off.”
Example 2: “I’m experiencing some health issues and might not be able to complete my tasks today.”
Explanation: This phrase works well for formal settings where a professional tone is required.

6. “I’m Taking a Sick Day Today”

Scenario: When informing about a planned sick day.
Example 1: “I’m taking a sick day today to recover and will resume work tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’m taking a sick day today but will ensure to catch up on missed work.”
Explanation: It is concise and conveys that you’re prioritizing recovery.

7. “I’m Feeling a Little Under the Weather”

Scenario: For informal communication with a soft tone.
Example 1: “I’m feeling a little under the weather, so I’ll be taking it easy today.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling a little under the weather and won’t be able to attend the meeting.”
Explanation: This phrase keeps the message light yet professional.

8. “I’m Experiencing Symptoms and Need to Rest”

Scenario: For clear communication about illness symptoms.
Example 1: “I’m experiencing symptoms and need to rest; I’ll be back to work soon.”
Example 2: “I’m experiencing symptoms and will follow up on pending tasks tomorrow.”
Explanation: It informs others of your situation without being overly specific.

9. “I Need to Take the Day Off Due to Illness”

Scenario: When requesting a day off due to sickness.
Example 1: “I need to take the day off due to illness and will ensure continuity upon return.”
Example 2: “I need to take the day off due to illness; I’ll update my progress tomorrow.”
Explanation: This phrase is formal and appropriate for official communication.

10. “I’ll Be Taking Some Time to Recover”

Scenario: For extended periods of rest.
Example 1: “I’ll be taking some time to recover and will ensure to update my progress.”
Example 2: “I’ll be taking some time to recover but remain accessible for urgent queries.”
Explanation: It conveys your focus on health while keeping lines of communication open.

11. “I’ll Be Taking a Day Off for Health Reasons”

Scenario: When you want to keep the reason for your absence professional but non-specific.
Example 1: “I’ll be taking a day off for health reasons and will catch up once I return.”
Example 2: “I’ll be taking a day off for health reasons and will ensure to complete my tasks afterward.”
Explanation: This phrase maintains professionalism while respecting your privacy.

12. “I Need Time to Address a Health Concern”

Scenario: When a health issue requires immediate attention.
Example 1: “I need time to address a health concern but will keep you updated on my status.”
Example 2: “I need time to address a health concern and may not be able to respond promptly.”
Explanation: It communicates urgency without over-explaining the situation.

Other Ways to Say “I Hope Everything Goes Smoothly”

13. “I’m Stepping Away to Focus on My Health”

Scenario: When you need to step back for health reasons temporarily.
Example 1: “I’m stepping away to focus on my health and will notify you when I’m back.”
Example 2: “I’m stepping away to focus on my health but will ensure a smooth handover.”
Explanation: This phrasing emphasizes prioritizing well-being while showing accountability.

14. “I’m Taking Time to Recover from an Illness”

Scenario: When you need recovery time and want to state it clearly.
Example 1: “I’m taking time to recover from an illness and will be unavailable today.”
Example 2: “I’m taking time to recover from an illness but will check emails periodically.”
Explanation: This phrase is straightforward and ensures transparency.

15. “I’m Feeling Unwell and Need Rest Today”

Scenario: For immediate communication of your inability to work.
Example 1: “I’m feeling unwell and need rest today; I’ll handle pending tasks tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling unwell and need rest today, so I may not be reachable.”
Explanation: It keeps the message brief and focused on your need for rest.

16. “I’ll Be Out of Office Due to Illness”

Scenario: When you want to convey your absence in a professional tone.
Example 1: “I’ll be out of office due to illness and will respond to emails upon my return.”
Example 2: “I’ll be out of office due to illness but can delegate urgent tasks if needed.”
Explanation: This phrase works well for formal notifications.

17. “I Need to Prioritize My Health Today”

Scenario: When you want to emphasize the importance of self-care.
Example 1: “I need to prioritize my health today and may not be available.”
Example 2: “I need to prioritize my health today but will ensure to provide updates tomorrow.”
Explanation: It communicates self-care while maintaining accountability.

18. “I’m Taking a Brief Pause Due to Health Issues”

Scenario: When you’re unavailable for a short time due to illness.
Example 1: “I’m taking a brief pause due to health issues and will be back soon.”
Example 2: “I’m taking a brief pause due to health issues but will catch up on tasks quickly.”
Explanation: This phrase suggests a temporary interruption without causing concern.

19. “I’m Feeling Unwell and May Be Slow to Respond”

Scenario: When you’re partially available but not fully active.
Example 1: “I’m feeling unwell and may be slow to respond to emails today.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling unwell and may be slow to respond; thank you for your patience.”
Explanation: It sets expectations regarding your responsiveness.

20. “I Need to Step Away Briefly for Health Reasons”

Scenario: When you anticipate a short absence for health-related reasons.
Example 1: “I need to step away briefly for health reasons but will be back by tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I need to step away briefly for health reasons; I’ll update you on my availability soon.”
Explanation: It maintains professionalism while indicating that your absence is temporary.

21. “I’ll Be Taking Sick Leave for Recovery”

Scenario: When informing about planned sick leave.
Example 1: “I’ll be taking sick leave for recovery and will ensure a proper handover.”
Example 2: “I’ll be taking sick leave for recovery but remain reachable for urgent matters.”
Explanation: It communicates your unavailability formally and clearly.

22. “I’m Unwell and Won’t Be Able to Work Today”

Scenario: When you need to convey your unavailability explicitly.
Example 1: “I’m unwell and won’t be able to work today; I’ll resume as soon as I recover.”
Example 2: “I’m unwell and won’t be able to work today; I appreciate your understanding.”
Explanation: It’s a straightforward way to express your unavailability.

23. “I’m Unable to Work Today Due to Illness”

Scenario: For formal settings requiring precise language.
Example 1: “I’m unable to work today due to illness but will resume my duties soon.”
Example 2: “I’m unable to work today due to illness; I’ll follow up on pending tasks tomorrow.”
Explanation: This phrase is formal and clear for workplace communication.

24. “I Need to Rest Due to Feeling Unwell”

Scenario: When focusing on the need for recovery.
Example 1: “I need to rest due to feeling unwell; I’ll notify you when I’m back.”
Example 2: “I need to rest due to feeling unwell but can delegate critical tasks.”
Explanation: It highlights the importance of rest while maintaining professionalism.

25. “I’m Taking Time Off for My Health”

Scenario: When prioritizing your well-being with a professional tone.
Example 1: “I’m taking time off for my health but will ensure to keep my team updated.”
Example 2: “I’m taking time off for my health and will address pending issues upon return.”
Explanation: This phrase emphasizes the importance of health while showing accountability.

26. “I’m Feeling Under the Weather Today”

Scenario: When you want to use a lighter, idiomatic expression for your condition.
Example 1: “I’m feeling under the weather today and won’t be able to attend meetings.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling under the weather today but will make up for any delays tomorrow.”
Explanation: This phrase conveys illness in a less formal yet polite manner.

27. “I Need a Sick Day to Recover”

Scenario: When you require an official day off due to illness.
Example 1: “I need a sick day to recover and will check in once I feel better.”
Example 2: “I need a sick day to recover; please let me know if anything urgent arises.”
Explanation: It communicates the need for leave without overexplaining.

28. “I’ll Be Out Sick Today”

Scenario: For short, clear, and professional communication.
Example 1: “I’ll be out sick today and will ensure all pending tasks are completed tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’ll be out sick today but remain available for critical updates if needed.”
Explanation: This concise phrase works well in formal and informal contexts.

29. “I’m Taking Medical Leave for Health Reasons”

Scenario: When you need extended leave for health-related concerns.
Example 1: “I’m taking medical leave for health reasons and will coordinate with the team for task delegation.”
Example 2: “I’m taking medical leave for health reasons but will provide updates on my recovery.”
Explanation: It indicates a longer absence while maintaining professionalism.

30. “I’m Feeling Unwell and Need to Step Back Temporarily”

Scenario: When you need a short-term break to focus on your health.
Example 1: “I’m feeling unwell and need to step back temporarily; I’ll resume work as soon as possible.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling unwell and need to step back temporarily; please let me know if any urgent matters arise.”
Explanation: This phrase ensures clarity about your temporary absence.

31. “I Need Time Off Due to a Health Concern”

Scenario: When requesting time off for health issues in a professional setting.
Example 1: “I need time off due to a health concern but will ensure to stay updated.”
Example 2: “I need time off due to a health concern and will handle any pending tasks afterward.”
Explanation: It keeps the communication professional and to the point.

32. “I’ll Be Taking a Personal Health Day”

Scenario: When you need to step away without being overly specific.
Example 1: “I’ll be taking a personal health day today and will respond to emails tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’ll be taking a personal health day and will complete all outstanding tasks once I’m back.”
Explanation: This phrase respects your privacy while communicating effectively.

33. “I’m Under the Weather and Unable to Work Today”

Scenario: When you want to sound polite yet direct about your condition.
Example 1: “I’m under the weather and unable to work today; I’ll update you on my progress tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’m under the weather and unable to work today; thank you for your understanding.”
Explanation: It provides a clear yet gentle way of informing others about your unavailability.

34. “I’m Taking Leave for Health Reasons”

Scenario: When formal phrasing is required for your communication.
Example 1: “I’m taking leave for health reasons and will hand over my responsibilities to the team.”
Example 2: “I’m taking leave for health reasons and will inform you once I’m ready to return.”
Explanation: This phrase is ideal for official emails and workplace communication.

35. “I’m Experiencing Health Issues and Need Rest”

Scenario: When emphasizing the necessity of rest due to health concerns.
Example 1: “I’m experiencing health issues and need rest to recover; I’ll notify you of my return.”
Example 2: “I’m experiencing health issues and need rest but will delegate my tasks temporarily.”
Explanation: It conveys the urgency of your condition while remaining professional.

36. “I’m Taking a Sick Day for My Well-Being”

Scenario: When emphasizing self-care in your communication.
Example 1: “I’m taking a sick day for my well-being and will handle pending work tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’m taking a sick day for my well-being; please let me know if anything urgent arises.”
Explanation: This phrase highlights the importance of prioritizing health in a professional tone.

37. “I’ll Be Away Today Due to Health Issues”

Scenario: When you want to inform about your absence clearly and succinctly.
Example 1: “I’ll be away today due to health issues and will address pending tasks soon.”
Example 2: “I’ll be away today due to health issues; I appreciate your patience.”
Explanation: It communicates your absence effectively while showing consideration.

38. “I Need Some Rest to Recover from Illness”

Scenario: When seeking rest to recover without specifying further details.
Example 1: “I need some rest to recover from illness and will follow up on tasks tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I need some rest to recover from illness; I’ll ensure to catch up on pending work.”
Explanation: This phrase balances clarity and professionalism.

39. “I’m Feeling Ill and Won’t Be Working Today”

Scenario: For a direct, clear way to inform about your unavailability.
Example 1: “I’m feeling ill and won’t be working today; I’ll check emails tomorrow.”
Example 2: “I’m feeling ill and won’t be working today; thank you for understanding.”
Explanation: It communicates your condition and unavailability concisely.

40. “I’ll Be Out of the Office Due to Health Concerns”

Scenario: When formal communication is required for your absence.
Example 1: “I’ll be out of the office due to health concerns and will resume my duties soon.”
Example 2: “I’ll be out of the office due to health concerns; please reach out for urgent matters.”
Explanation: This phrase ensures professionalism while explaining your absence.

What Should I Include in an Email About Not Feeling Well?

When writing an email about not feeling well, keep it professional, clear, and concise. Start with a polite greeting, mention your condition briefly, and inform the recipient about your availability or absence. Specify how your tasks will be handled during your absence and express willingness to follow up once you feel better. End with appreciation for their understanding.

For example:

“Good morning,
I am feeling unwell today and will need to take a sick day. I will ensure all pending tasks are managed promptly upon my return. Please let me know if anything urgent arises. Thank you for your understanding.
Best regards,
[Your Name]”

Key Insight

1. How do I professionally inform my manager about not feeling well?
Use a polite and clear tone, briefly explain your condition, and mention how your absence will be managed. For instance, “I am feeling unwell and need to take the day off. I will address pending work tomorrow.”

2. Should I include details about my illness in an email?
No, it’s better to keep the details minimal. Mention that you’re unwell without going into specifics. This maintains professionalism and respects your privacy.

3. Can I send a follow-up email after taking a sick day?
Yes, it’s a good idea to send a follow-up email upon your return to update on any tasks and express gratitude for understanding.

4. Is it necessary to provide a doctor’s note when emailing about being unwell?
Only provide a doctor’s note if your workplace policy requires it. Otherwise, a brief email explaining your absence is sufficient.

5. How can I handle urgent tasks while being unwell?
Mention in your email that you’re available for critical updates if your condition allows. Alternatively, delegate tasks to a colleague and communicate the arrangement clearly.

Conclusion

When you’re not feeling well, it’s essential to communicate professionally and clearly, especially in a work setting. Using polite language, clarity, and a tone of responsibility ensures your message is well-received. The alternatives provided here allow you to express your condition thoughtfully while maintaining your professional image. Remember, prioritizing your health while being considerate of workplace expectations fosters both personal well-being and workplace respect.