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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.