Man, I just can't get motivated to do any work today. I don't know What it is, I'm just not feeling it at all. Any tips?
Take the day off. Do something you love and come back tomorrow feeling refreshed and productive.
Outrageous, huh? Telling someone to take the day off work just because they feel like it.
It's true that years ago I might have offered up a few motivational tips on how to increase productivity at work instead. But no. Taking the day off was absolutely the right advice and remedy in this situation.
And here's why, when you feel like this, you should talk a day off too.
The friend I was speaking to runs an online shop. He is a super hard worker and has put himself through hell to make self-employment a viable option. He fully deserves a day off, and he certainly won't starve if he does put his feet up for a day.
The thing is, self-employed or employed by a company, we've become victims of a work culture that dictates that unless we are physically sick we shouldn't take a day off –unless it's the weekend of course.
Many of us think nothing of dragging ourselves into work with a cold – a sore throat, runny nose and feeling drained of energy.
Even though the body is screaming at us not to go in, we don't want to be that person who took a day off “just because she/he had a cold”, which of course is madness because everyone else ends up getting the cold and ultimately more man hours are lost than were initially necessary.
If you've worked in an office for a reasonable period of time, you know what I mean. People can get quite nasty about others who take sick days: “She's not sick AGAIN is she?” “Day off? He's only got a little cold!”…
There's a virtual hero badge to be gained for the soldier who battles on no matter how sick or stressed. In fact, many people view this as a requirement for promotion. The corporate culture loves the worker who never has a day off, and bosses tend to favour those willing to sacrifice their health for the good of the company.
Me personally, I am a total wimp when it comes to being ill, and I certainly won't work when I feel like trash. Why force your body to be active when it is clearly telling you to rest?
The soreness, the lack of energy and appetite are ways of your body telling you to lie down, get plenty of fluids, rest and have an early night. Basically, exactly what your other always told you.
I appreciate that for those on zero hours contracts, and those who don't get sick pay, taking a day off isn't really an option, but where possible we should all be mindful of what our bodies are telling us and take as long as we need to restore full health.
But let's forget physical health for a moment. What of our mental health?
Work-related stress is the underlying cause of so many health problems, and relationship problems for that matter, yet we tend to associate this type of stress with the likes of big business workers like investment bankers and high flying entrepreneurs, but in truth it can happen to anyone.
Coincidentally, the friend who sparked the penning of this post is someone I used to work with. When we were at the company our department had a wonderful director, a really funny, friendly, happy-go-lucky guy. He had a great job, two lovely kids and seemingly had it made. He never seemed stressed.
Two years after leaving work I found out he had a nervous breakdown due to the stress of the job. It took six months off for him to recover.
Looking back, I don't remember him having a day off. He had one family holiday in the two years I knew him, was always in two hours before everyone else and his smartphone never left his palm – even when he went to the toilet.
A breakdown like this can happen to anyone, and none of us are immune to the physical and mental stress that comes with constantly forcing yourself to work harder.
So don't wait until you are bedridden with flu to take a day off. When you hear the proverbial wolves clawing at the door, and your ability to self motivate has been shattered, take a day off and recharge. Even if you have to tell your boss you have a headache, do it.
Consider it a white lie, because in the long run you and the company will be better off for it. I can almost guarantee that you'll go in feeling more driven, and most importantly of all you'll feel empowered in the knowledge that you took your life into your own hands and made a decision on your mental freedom.
Companies don't own us. Work doesn't own us. It is important as free-thinking beings that we don't feel constantly trapped and indebted to work all the time, particularly when it is work we aren't fond of.
It is important that we have the freedom to say, “The thought of doing that today makes me feel terrible, so I won't”.
We need this power of choice sometimes to recenter, to find ourselves, to reset the compass and turn off the autopilot.
But remember, when you do take the day off, you mustn't do anything work related. This must be a complete work detox.
Do things that soothe your mind, not things that “you must catch up on” like the washing and cleaning: you'll never feel like you truly had a day off if you go and do things like that (unless these are passions of yours).
Do all those things you would love to do but never get around to because of work: Things like reading, writing, painting or going for a walk in the park, or maybe just doing absolutely nothing but chilling with your feet up. It doesn't matter what you do. This is your time, and you deserve it.
Jamie dee says
Really good article, I am currently “sick” and off from work and found this as I do feel guilty and had to pretend I was unwell to have a day off! Ridiculous way of thinking! Article really helped understand and put things into perspective. Thanks .
Alfred James says
Everyone “just needs a break” once in a while. High stress levels are as dangerous as forcing yourself to work when ill with a bad cold or chest infection, for example. Mental health is not something that should be neglected. Enjoy your day.
Sarah says
I work at a call center and Here the past 2 months I’ve been missing atleast one day a week or coming in two or three hours late. Maybe even 2 days and then I go back but only because my paycheck wouldn’t be able to handle another day. I feel bad because I live alone so I need a full time job. I don’t have many responsibilities except bills. I’m looking for a new job in the meantime because I’m on corrective action due to this. I feel bad because I’m not being a good employee like I should. They helped me switch shifts so it wouldn’t be so early that I would have to come in and I still called out. Looking for advice please.
Clover says
I don’t think it is our fault. Of course it is ridiculous thinking from our side too, but the people who guilt trip us for wanting time for ourselves are the ones to be blamed. I used to feel guilty for taking sick leaves even when I was seriously ill, because the people around me would constantly taunt me for being ill as if I fell ill intentionally. ‘Oh, why do you fall ill so often? ‘ As if the illness took my permission before entering my body. Such mean comments added to my stress subconsciously. Physical and mental stress can contribute largely to illness. And it’s extremely hard to not be effected by such comments no matter how hard you try.
Harry says
Hi.
This resonates with me. I love love this article.
I am no longer a teenager so that means I have to stop kidding myself lol. If it feels like an obligation, I call in sick at my part time retail job. Lol. Although of course i am not sick. It’s not like their additional two dollars per hour can help me buy a mansion. It feels scary risking my life showing up to work in the middle of a pandemic. Retail stores should pay their workers way more. I am working in retail at the moment and I just feel exhausted sometimes. I juggle that part time retail job and university because the f-ing loans are never enough. Sometimes I feel like clocking the store manager too. And he smells. I wish I became a millionaire so I can be my Own boss.
Alfred James says
You can be your own boss. Make that your goal and do something every day to work towards it, even if it is just something small. You have the determination, now you just need the plan and the action. Take care.
Kate says
Yes, you could be your own boss. And you could then suffer the stress induced from having to constantly fill in for, or re-organise, the shifts lost because someone just doesn’t feel like coming in.
Alfred James says
Indeed. As James Brown once said, “Paid the cost to be the boss”.
Saveeta says
Great article i’ve felt guilt taking a day or two off but after reading this i realize i need to think of me and put me first
Alfred James says
We all need a recharge. Pushing yourself when ill or over tired results in low focus and productivity and eventually ill health. Better to take a break and then go back firing on 100%!
Sham says
I took a day off today because i can’t mentally take the stress anymore, i am a school teacher & the pressure that the school has put on us is crazy! Anyway I doubted myself when i took the day off and i was feeling guilty but after reading the article i feel really positive and energetic, thank you
Carly says
I can relate as I am a music teacher. I just got done planning and help kids through their performance. I needed the next two days off. Mental, physical, emotionally drained. It’s a real thing.
David says
I am 62 and border line deciding on what to do. Retire early or wait it out till 65 which is getting harder and harder to do every day. With a few nagging health issues I’ve taken several days off from work to recover but my bank account takes a beating when I do. But rather than get fired for being stagnet at work it’s best to have a peckish check every once and a while.
Alfred James says
Are the health issues related to work, or are they things you could improve independently with diet, more exercise, less stress in your personal life etc? This would be a big factor in the decision. If your work is likely to shorter your life and is stealing your happiness then I think it’s time to look for another way. Perhaps there’s a lower paid job with fewer hours you could take for a few years.
Mauja says
Thanks for this. I’m a teacher having anxiety attacks fue to work pressure, and feeling bad for taking time off to try to get well again.
Heath says
I agree that a person occasionally needs a day off. Though I believe it should be limited to severe sickness. I’ve worked in construction my whole life and rarely take time off. I work 7 days a week and if I’m not working for someone I’m working on my own stuff, trying to get ahead. I always rise through the ranks and gain favor quickly because I AM willing make sacrifices. If I don’t show up to work, everyone else has to work harder. If i take days off when I’m a tad depressed or my tummy hurts, how the hell am i gonna show up when it’s 20 below zero?! I think our world is full of folks looking to take the easy way out. They already get weekends off and still need another day to hide in their safe space? If you’re well enough to go for a walk, you’re well enough to go to work. Just my 2 cents. Be a go-getter. Work harder.
Alfred James says
I am a huge advocate of getting up every morning and putting in your best, committing to a task and working hard to be the best you can. But we must acknowledge that this is not just about the physical. Mental illness driven by work-related stress and anxiety is rising every year and people need to recognize when the brain is at a point of overload. Neglecting mental health can lead to depression, a nervous breakdown, episodes of psychosis, and worse, suicide.
Jack says
I have to say that this take is very unfair, and I’d say you really take a look at why you feel the need to judge others situations when you have no concept. I’ve never worked construction, but I can tell you that there are different factors in work than just physical work, especially in areas that touch sales, marketing, and customer relations. Just because you personally get respect at work and have the opportunity to grow doesn’t mean that others do where they are. While I now work at a place where I have an amazing boss and get respected as the amazing employee I am, I had a solid run of jobs in a big city where the bosses were mostly sociopathic nightmares. I would barely scrape a paycheck together to survive and would live under the constant threat of losing my job. At my current job people have worked for 20-30 years and retire with good pay and support thinking the world is all roses, but I worked 60 hour weeks at numerous jobs with no ability to move up, only 5 days vacation and had three of those companies collapse from under me. You have no idea what you’re talking about, and to call someone a “whiner” who is working their butt off and getting spit on every day is just pomposity and hubris showing through.
Kimberly says
Love this article! Definately made my guilt not so bad. I work in the finance sector and stress combined with a tummy bug meant I couldn’t go in today. Even though I had a doctor’s appointment booked I was STILL asked if I could come in. I know everyone in the office is bitching about me today but if it’s not me it’ll be someone else they find something to bitch about. I think considering I work 10 hours of unpaid overtime every week and have over 90 hours of sick leave I should be able to take a sick day and not have to deal with the bullshit from other staff. That’s the worst part – walking into the office the next day feeling guilty knowing everyone hates you.
Katie says
My dad never took a sick day, barely took holiday and really pushed himself. He died at 53 years old from a cardiac arrest while at work. Don’t die for your work, take time for yourself too.
Sally Smith says
Tell that to the poor residents in a care home, who depend on people getting them up in the morning. I have worked through Christmas, doing double shifts because some wanted “Me time” meanwhile the people that should have been on holiday because it was their turn for the Christmas holidays have had to come in, now these poor people need to work through New Year because they are down on the Rota. We work for an excellent Management team who are very generous at Christmas time and these people have enjoyed the benefits of this. Just thinking of the vulnerable people we serve.
Nurse Cratchet says
No, you’re not. You’re fuming over your co-workers instead of refusing to do double-shifts which is NOT in the best interests of your patients. Management is in charge of the schedule, not you, so taking your healthcare martydom cross off already.
Louse says
What a nasty and unnecessary reply. The reality in healthcare is that yes Management are in charge of rotas but when someone takes their precious me time outside of the rota patient care suffers. That could be you some day if I say no I’m doing yet another double shift.
Katie says
Thank you for publishing this article. I thoroughly agree! However, I was a bit disappointed as I came here from a Google search hoping to find advice on HOW not to feel guilty. Logically, I already know all the things you pointed out – but my feelings don’t seem to have got the hint and I still feel bad for taking time off. Perhaps a follow-up article?
Fuck off says
Don’t make someone else responsible for sorting out your feelings.
Aubrey says
Taking a mental health day today myself, though I did tell my boss I have a headache. Sometimes a mental day is needed. There’s still a lot of stigma behind mental illness so I feel the need to tell me them I have some kind of ailment in order for it not to be frowned upon.
F off says
Yeah, and keep that way for your sake. You never have to tell anyone any more than you’re sick or dealing with an issue covered by the ADA–you don’t need to disclose anything but when you’re coming back to work.
Todd says
Great article! I am fortunate to have most weekends off. I have noticed if I don’t use my weekend time wisely I my be stressed at work the following week. If your weekends have more activity then your workweek your going to suffer and so is your performance. I now make a point to relax and I mean relax on Saturdays. Don’t burn the candle on both ends! Use your weekend wisely, stay away from the partying and get rest on Saturdays. Your health,work performance, coworkers and boss will all be grateful for the improvement.
Alfred James says
Good point. I’ve started to make Sunday a more relaxing day, or at the very least to set aside chill time in the afternoon and even have a little nap – something I rarely do. You need some recharge time before the week begins again.
Masako says
I love this article! I always take off of work and feel guilty or I am taking off because I need to take my kids to an appointment. Sometimes I am just mentally drained not to mention I am not working my dream job but it’s paying the bills for now.
Dave says
Thanks! I needed this article today 🙂
Corey says
I really needed this article today too. I work a retail customer service position at a high volume location, meaning that I’m under constant yammering assault for 5 or 6 days a week from people who have never worked a service job in their lives. I can handle it fine, but after working until 9:30 one night, being back at work at 7:30 the next morning, then spending 6 and a half hours (and an obscene sum of money) at the vet with my pet, I needed a day to recharge and figure out my next steps. I always feel guilty taking a sick day, even if I know I have that right, and it was good to hear someone say “no, actually, that’s fine.” It’s not something you’ll ever hear from your coworkers or even your friends and family that want the best for you. It’s your life, not theirs.
angeldomme says
Im a health care worker and when my body doesnt feel like to move and mentally not working well, I take a day off. You will suffer at work if u push urself working and ur body needs a rest. If you will apply six sigma and total quality management to ur work. It will affect badly. Im a career shifter from business to hospital work. Still adjusting to the environment and i also work part time on my other work coz my current job doesnt pay well…I have stable job and part time job which I am the one who runs it that motivates me…so if ur body needs to rest take a day off and enjoy ur day.
DTL says
I definitely needed this!
I work as a deputy manager in an extremely fast-paced customer service based office. I’m extremely heavily relied on as support but have been needing support of my own lately!
I found myself the past few mornings begrudgingly opening my eyes, cringing at the thought of going to work – which is very unusually like me. – I’ve been contemplating pulling a sickie all week and today just felt like the day I owe it to myself!
So I sit up and make my preparations for which lie I’m going to tell and following our local absence process. I hated lying to my manager, but my mental and physical health have to come first! A mini-detox is very much needed.
Two hours after calling in sick and I’m still in bed, drinking my morning coffee and reminding myself of the little joys in life.
I have no regrets.
You are in control of your own life. Don’t kill yourself working for a corporation that would replace you in a heartbeat. You owe it to yourself.
Alfred James says
Good on you. You deserve today. Take a walk, enjoy nature, prepare a good meal, call a friend/family, read a book, whatever makes you happy.
Naomi Rowell says
Good article. The very reason I opened my own business was so I could have more time with my family and me. Unfortunately I have not taken much time off, and I’m sure other entrepreneur have done the same. It’s hard sometimes when you are the only one responsible for everything in the business so you tend to put off taking that vacation or going on that weekend fishing trip. Just recently I sat down and organized my schedule to prioritize client need and tasks and plan days off and an actual vacation. I was starting to feel guilty til I saw this article today. Life is short and you won’t be remembered for how many hours you put in or how much money you made, Relationships, time spent with loved ones and friends and doing something you love is what is going to be remembered.
Alfred James says
Absolutely. That perfectly sums it up. No one lies on their death bed and wishes they’d worked more and spent less time with family!
John Daigle says
I think one has to find the stress and cope. When we can eliminate the anxiety at work, one will want to go to work. Make a coping mechanism for work. Mine was to drink milk and to hold my hand to my nose in an intrusive manner. I drink two cups of milk a day which helps my skin. Stress causes had feelings which causes real or unreal sick days. Find the cause of your anxiety at work and try to eliminate. I was an ardent soda drinker at work. I found this was a trap. Eliminate had foods from your diet. To those whom eat meat, have a steak one a week. Make a coping mechanism even if fake, mental and one will want to go to work.
Person says
So your coping strategy was punishing the way you drink milk?
Jen says
I work as a Store Manager with a two hour commute to work. I’m short staffed and find myself working 7 or 8am to 930 or 1030pm days seven days a week. I’m physically feeling exhausted every day and I’ve been pushing myself to keep going because if I don’t make it in, the store doesn’t open at this point. I’m supposed to be moving 150/200 cases a day freight-wise, but I’ve been falling way short lately, working 80 to 90 cases instead. I have the opportunity to take a day off, but our weekly stocking numbers are way down and my other assistant manager doesn’t really show the drive to move the stock the way she should. Should I take the day off or bite the bullet so the stock numbers can get back on track?
Alfred James says
I think the question becomes: what’s more important, your health or the job? You sound like you really deserve a day off. The risk is not getting the rest you need and then getting run down and ill because of it and having to take a week or more off. This is what employers MUST think about. Pushing staff to their limits is counterproductive, because eventually they need time to recover or just quit through resentment – and you lose good people. Looking after the health of your staff results in fewer days off.
Liliya Rettger says
Today I took a day off because it was my dad’s birthday and tomorrow is my grandmas birthday and we are going up north. I told them that I was unable to come in and they said that I have to let them know 30 days in advance. Like I don’t even know what is going to happen next week. Of course I feel bad for taking a day off but my health and my family always come first before my job!
Stressing at work says
I’m glad I stumbled across this page. I was having a full on panic attack and still trying to muster up the strength to go to work, googled “motivation for work” and realized I could take a day because well ive been working hard and this panic attack needed the proper attention it deserves (ie realizing my body was telling me to stop)
Tired and need a vacation says
Today I took off work. I had a sore throat last night and my anxiety went thru the roof about feeling sick and I had a panic attack. I started having panic attacks out of nowhere this year but it started off really rocky then covid hit. I worked thru when my office closed with my step dad doing landscaping so I wasn’t off and didn’t take a break during that time off like some of my other coworkers. I always feel guilty even though I’m generally always at the office and I am at everyone’s beck and call. I’m the office manager I should be there but if I’m sick I’m sick and I shouldn’t feel sorry for it. So why do I. The stress I feel all the time and is very real but if someone isn’t in your shoes they don’t understand nor care.
Alfred James says
You definitely deserve a day off. Your health is your wealth. Look after yourself.
T says
Thank you for this. You’ve inspired me to take a day off tomorrow. It’s so easy to get lost in everyday tasks that we end up missing out on other important parts of our lives.
Nikki says
Got here because I too am feeling guilty every time I take a day off cos I feel extremely unmotivated to get up and face the day. I’m afraid people will find me as weak and useless for not being able to handle the stress, but I continue anyway cos I don’t have the energy at all. Although when I come back the next day, nothing’s changed so it puts me at peace again. But at home, I’d feel a little annoyed when they ask me why I’m not at work. I’d say I’m sick, but I get a “Eh, you’re not” Cos I went to the gym. I want to cos it helps me release the tension for at least an hour. Or if I dare say I don’t feel like going to work, I’d get disappointed looks. Makes me wonder if I’m doing the right thing for myself. Anyway, this article is really helpful. At least I feel a little less guilty for giving myself some space from too much work. There are more days when I truly adore my work. But I admit, there are days where I’d just close myself off for a while. It helps me clear my mind cos it gets pretty messy if I don’t.
Alfred James says
It’s great that you love your work, but as you point out you need some space sometimes, some time for yourself…everyone does.
Balance is everything, If you give yourself that space you will be in even mental better shape and able to work at your full potential.
MJ says
I work in construction and took the last 2 days off because I had an ulcer flair up. It’s not contagious & I definitely could have pushed through and worked, but I just felt so lousy! I needed to read this article today because I was feeling guilty for taking the time off. With layoffs always in the future, the industry I’m in is very competitive. I took the days off & I’m just hoping I’m not being put in the “weak link” category … it’s a bad way to take time-off, with guilt hanging over me.
Alfred James says
Don’t worry. Let the Ulcer settle, get some rest and then go back feeling stronger. You have to look after your health, as that will allow you to have a longer career.