20 Other Ways to Say “I Am Not Feeling Well” to Your Boss (With Examples)

In the dynamic world of work, expressing your health condition effectively is crucial for maintaining open communication with your boss.

Instead of relying on the same old phrase, “I am not feeling well,” it’s beneficial to diversify your language to convey your message with nuance. Below are 20 alternative ways to communicate this to your boss, along with scenario examples for each situation.

List Of Other Ways to Say “I Am Not Feeling Well” to Your Boss

• I’m under the weather.
• I’m not at my best today.
• I’m feeling a bit down.
• I’m a little out of sorts.
• I’m not in top form.
• I’m experiencing some discomfort.
• I’m not quite myself.
• I’m not on top of my game.
• I’m not feeling up to par.
• I’m a bit out of shape today.
• I’m a tad off today.
• I’m not in the best shape today.
• I’m not feeling 100%.
• I’m a little low on energy.
• I’m not feeling my usual self.
• I’m a touch under the weather.
• I’m feeling a bit off-color.
• I’m not in peak condition.
• I’m a bit off my game.
• I’m not in the greatest shape today.

1. I’m not in the best shape today

Subject: Feeling a Bit Under the Weather Today

Dear Michael,

I hope this message finds you well. I wanted to let you know that today I’m not in the best shape, and I may need some time to rest and recuperate. I assure you this won’t impact my overall productivity, and I’ll catch up on any missed work promptly.

Best regards, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Communicates physical discomfort clearly. Cons: Might sound a bit casual; use with discretion.

2. I am feeling under the weather

Subject: Under the Weather Update

Dear Michael,

I trust you’re doing well. Unfortunately, I find myself a bit under the weather today. I’ve informed the team about my situation, and I’m confident they can manage in my absence. I’ll ensure all pending tasks are addressed by the end of the day.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Conveys a common phrase for feeling unwell. Cons: May sound clichéd; use in appropriate contexts.

3. I’m a bit off today

Subject: Brief Health Update

Hi Michael,

Just a quick note to inform you that I’m feeling a bit off today. I’ll be focusing on urgent tasks but might need to take it easy. Let me know if there’s anything specific you’d like me to prioritize.

Thanks, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Expresses a subtle sense of not feeling well. Cons: Might require follow-up clarification; be ready to provide details.

4. I am not quite myself at the moment

Subject: Temporary Discomfort

Dear Michael,

I hope this email finds you in good spirits. Today, I’m not quite myself due to some health issues. Rest assured, I’ll do my best to manage my workload efficiently and get back to peak performance as soon as possible.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Conveys a temporary state of discomfort. Cons: May raise questions about the nature of the issue; be prepared to share as much information as you’re comfortable with.

5. I am not at my best

Subject: Quick Health Update

Hi Michael,

I wanted to give you a heads up that I am not at my best today. I’ll prioritize tasks and make sure to communicate with the team to ensure a smooth workflow during my temporary slowdown.

Best regards, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Acknowledges a less-than-optimal state without going into specifics. Cons: May require follow-up for more details; use with discretion.

6. I’m not feeling up to par

Subject: Feeling a Bit Off Today

Dear Michael,

I hope you’re well. Today, I’m not feeling up to par, and I thought it best to inform you. I’ll manage my responsibilities and coordinate with the team to minimize any potential disruptions.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Conveys a sense of not meeting usual standards. Cons: Might sound a bit formal; consider the workplace culture before using.

7. I’m experiencing some health issues

Subject: Health Update and Work Plan

Hi Michael,

I trust you’re doing well. I wanted to inform you that I’m experiencing some health issues today. I’m in touch with the team to ensure a smooth workflow, and I’ll make sure to update you on any significant developments.

Best regards, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Communicates a more serious tone for health concerns. Cons: Requires follow-up for more details; use as appropriate.

8. I am not feeling 100%

Subject: Health Status Update

Dear Michael,

I hope you’re having a good day. Unfortunately, I’m not feeling 100% today. I’ll manage my workload as efficiently as possible and appreciate your understanding during this time.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Clearly indicates a state below optimal health. Cons: Might sound slightly informal; gauge the formality of your workplace.

9. I’m feeling a bit unwell

Subject: Brief Health Check-In

Hi Michael,

I trust you’re doing well. Just a quick note to let you know that I’m feeling a bit unwell today. I’ll focus on essential tasks and ensure that any pending work is addressed promptly.

Thanks, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Simple and straightforward expression of feeling unwell. Cons: May require follow-up for more details; use in appropriate contexts.

10. I’m a little out of sorts

Subject: Quick Update on My Health

Dear Michael,

I hope this email finds you in good health. Today, I’m feeling a little out of sorts, and I wanted to keep you informed. I’ll manage my workload efficiently and ensure that all essential tasks are addressed promptly.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Expresses a mild sense of discomfort. Cons: May sound informal in certain contexts; use with consideration.

Read More: Professional Ways to Say “Get Well Soon”

11. I’m not on top of my game

Subject: Brief Health Check-In

Hi Michael,

I trust you’re doing well. Unfortunately, today, I’m not on top of my game. I’ll focus on critical tasks and coordinate with the team to ensure a smooth workflow during my temporary setback.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Acknowledges a temporary decline in performance. Cons: May prompt questions about the cause; be prepared to share information.

12. I’m not feeling my usual self

Subject: Health Update and Work Plan

Dear Michael,

I hope you’re having a good day. Today, I’m not feeling my usual self due to some health issues. I’ll manage my responsibilities and keep you updated on any significant developments.

Best regards, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Conveys a deviation from the usual state. Cons: Requires follow-up for more details; use as appropriate.

13. I’m a touch under the weather

Subject: Feeling a Bit Off Today

Hi Michael,

I trust this email finds you well. Just a quick note to inform you that I’m a touch under the weather today. I’ll prioritize tasks and ensure a seamless workflow during my temporary slowdown.

Thanks, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Expresses a slight state of being unwell. Cons: May sound informal; use in appropriate contexts.

14. I’m feeling a bit off-color

Subject: Health Status Update

Dear Michael,

I hope you’re doing well. Unfortunately, today I’m feeling a bit off-color. I’ll manage my tasks efficiently and appreciate your understanding during this time.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Conveys a unique expression of not feeling well. Cons: Might be less common, leading to potential misinterpretation; use with discretion.

15. I’m not in peak condition

Subject: Quick Health Update

Hi Michael,

I trust you’re doing well. I wanted to let you know that today, I’m not in peak condition. I’ll focus on essential tasks and ensure a smooth workflow during my temporary setback.

Best regards, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Acknowledges a state below optimal condition. Cons: May sound slightly formal; gauge the formality of your workplace.

16. I’m a bit off my game

Subject: Health Update and Work Plan

Dear Michael,

I hope this email finds you in good health. Unfortunately, today I’m a bit off my game. I’ll manage my responsibilities and coordinate with the team to ensure minimal disruption.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Acknowledges a temporary decline in performance. Cons: May prompt questions about the cause; be prepared to share information.

17. I’m not in the greatest shape today

Subject: Brief Health Check-In

Hi Michael,

I hope you’re well. Just a quick note to inform you that today, I’m not in the greatest shape. I’ll focus on essential tasks and ensure that any pending work is addressed promptly.

Thanks, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Conveys a mild sense of discomfort. Cons: May sound informal in certain contexts; use with consideration.

18. I’m not at the top of my form

Subject: Feeling a Bit Off Today

Dear Michael,

I trust this email finds you in good health. Unfortunately, today I’m not at the top of my form. I’ll prioritize tasks and ensure a seamless workflow during my temporary slowdown.

Thanks, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Communicates a deviation from the usual state. Cons: Requires follow-up for more details; use as appropriate.

19. I’m a little low on energy

Subject: Energy Levels Update

Hi Michael,

I hope you’re having a good day. Just a quick note to let you know that today, I’m a little low on energy. I’ll manage my workload efficiently and appreciate your understanding during this time.

Best, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Indicates a specific aspect of not feeling well. Cons: May prompt questions about the cause; be prepared to share information.

20. I’m not in top form today

Subject: Quick Health Update

Dear Michael,

I hope you’re well. I wanted to give you a heads up that today, I’m not in top form. I’ll prioritize tasks and make sure to communicate with the team to ensure a smooth workflow during my temporary setback.

Best regards, Robert

Scenario Addition: Pros: Acknowledges a state below optimal condition. Cons: May sound slightly formal; gauge the formality of your workplace.

Pros and Cons of Alternative Ways to Say “I Am Not Feeling Well”

Pros:

• Diversity of Expression: Using different phrases adds variety to your communication, avoiding repetition and keeping your messages fresh.
• Nuanced Communication: Each phrase carries a slightly different nuance, allowing you to tailor your message based on the severity of your condition or the level of formality required.
• Avoiding Clichés: Stepping away from common phrases like “not feeling well” or “under the weather” can help your message stand out and avoid sounding clichéd.

Cons:

• Potential Misinterpretation: Using less common expressions might lead to misinterpretation if the recipient is unfamiliar with the phrase, so clarity is essential.
• Formality Concerns: Some expressions may sound too casual or formal depending on your workplace culture. It’s crucial to gauge the appropriateness of each phrase.
• Follow-Up Questions: Certain phrases may prompt more inquiries from colleagues or superiors, requiring you to be prepared to share additional information.