30 Other Ways to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well” (With Examples)

Last updated: October 25, 2025 at 3:23 pm by Emma Brooke

We all have days when we’re not feeling our best, but finding the right words to express that can be tricky. Simply saying “I’m not feeling well” is honest and clear — yet sometimes, we want to sound a little softer, more expressive, or more professional. Whether you’re talking to your boss, chatting with a loved one, or texting a friend, using the right words can help you communicate with warmth and respect while still being true to how you feel.

This guide offers 30 other ways to say “I’m not feeling well”, along with examples, tones, and explanations — so you can choose the right phrase for every situation.

What Does “I’m Not Feeling Well” Mean?

The phrase “I’m not feeling well” is a gentle and polite way to say you’re sick, tired, or emotionally unwell. It can refer to physical illness, like a cold or headache, or to mental or emotional exhaustion. The phrase keeps things general, allowing you to share your condition without going into uncomfortable detail.

People often use it when they:

• Need to take a sick day
• Want to cancel plans politely
• Are struggling emotionally but don’t want to overshare
• Just feel “off” and not like themselves

Is It Professional or Polite to Say “I’m Not Feeling Well”?

Absolutely. Saying “I’m not feeling well” is both professional and polite. It’s suitable for emails, messages, or calls with your manager, teacher, or colleagues. It expresses that you’re unwell while maintaining discretion and respect.

For example:

• “I’m not feeling well today, so I’ll be taking the day to rest.”
• “I wanted to let you know I’m not feeling well and may need to reschedule our meeting.”

In personal settings, it’s just as appropriate — kind, simple, and genuine.

Pros or Cons of Saying “I’m Not Feeling Well”

Pros:

• Respectful and universal — works in all situations.
• Keeps things private if you don’t want to share details.
• Shows self-awareness and responsibility.

Cons:

• Can sound generic or overused if repeated often.
• Lacks detail (which might cause concern or questions).
• Sometimes doesn’t capture emotional exhaustion clearly.

“I’m Not Feeling Well” Synonyms

1. I’m Feeling Under the Weather
2. I’m Not at My Best Today
3. I’m Feeling a Bit Off
4. I’m Not Feeling Like Myself
5. I Think I’m Coming Down with Something
6. I’m Feeling a Little Off Balance
7. I’m Feeling Weak Today
8. I’m Feeling Drained
9. I’m Not Doing Too Great
10. I’m a Little Run Down
11. I’m Not Feeling Up to It
12. I’m a Bit Under the Weather
13. I Need to Rest
14. I’m Not Feeling Great
15. I’m Not Feeling Okay
16. I’m Feeling a Bit Rough
17. I Need a Mental Health Break
18. I’m Not Feeling So Hot
19. I’m Feeling Unwell
20. I’m Not Feeling My Best Self
21. I’m Having an Off Day
22. I’m Feeling Exhausted
23. I’m Feeling a Little Sick
24. I’m Feeling Off Today
25. I’m a Little Burnt Out
26. I’m Not Feeling 100%
27. I Need Some Time to Recharge
28. I’m a Little Worn Out
29. I’m Not Feeling Too Good
30. I’m Feeling a Bit Low

1. I’m Feeling Under the Weather

Scenario: Perfect when you’re mildly sick — like a cold, headache, or fatigue.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling a bit under the weather today, so I’ll rest.”
• “Sorry, I won’t make it — I’m a little under the weather.”
• “I might skip lunch; not feeling great today.”

Tone: Polite, natural, and professional. 

Explanation: This timeless phrase conveys mild illness in a gentle and universally understood way.

2. I’m Not at My Best Today

Scenario: When you’re tired, low-energy, or just not feeling 100%.

Examples:

• “I’m not at my best today, but I’ll do my best to stay productive.”
• “Feeling a bit off — not quite myself today.”
• “I’ll take it easy; I’m not at my best.”

Tone: Honest but humble.

Explanation: Ideal for work or polite conversation — it admits discomfort without overexplaining.

3. I’m Feeling a Bit Off

Scenario: Great for emotional or physical unease without detail.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling a bit off today.”
• “Something’s not right — just a bit off.”
• “I might need to rest; I’m feeling off.”

Tone: Casual and friendly. 

Explanation: Works when you want to keep it simple and natural, especially in personal chats.

4. I’m Not Feeling Like Myself

Scenario: When you’re emotionally or mentally drained.

Examples:

• “I’m not feeling like myself lately.”
• “Something feels off — I just don’t feel like me.”
• “Been a strange week, I haven’t felt like myself.”

Tone: Vulnerable and reflective. 

Explanation: This phrase adds emotional honesty — ideal when you want to open up gently.

5. I Think I’m Coming Down with Something

Scenario: When you feel early signs of sickness.

Examples:

• “I think I’m coming down with something.”
• “My throat hurts — might be catching something.”
• “I’ll rest today; I think I’m coming down with a cold.”

Tone: Realistic and proactive. 

Explanation: Shows awareness and care for others, especially in workplace contexts.

6. I’m Feeling a Little Off Balance

Scenario: Perfect for when you feel dizzy, tired, or emotionally unsteady.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling a little off balance today.”
• “Need to slow down; I’m off balance lately.”
• “I’ll take some time to reset — not quite steady today.”

Tone: Calm and self-aware. 

Explanation: Ideal for when you want to acknowledge your condition gently without specifics.

7. I’m Feeling Weak Today

Scenario: Use when you have low energy or fatigue.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling weak today, might take it slow.”
• “Didn’t sleep much — feeling weak.”
• “Going to rest a bit, I’m feeling drained.”

Tone: Honest and clear. 

Explanation: Communicates fatigue directly, but still sounds polite and measured.

8. I’m Feeling Drained

Scenario: When your energy is emotionally or physically low.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling drained after this week.”
• “Completely drained — I need some rest.”
• “Feeling mentally drained today.”

Tone: Open and relatable. 

Explanation: Works great when expressing burnout or stress — modern and authentic.

9. I’m Not Doing Too Great

Scenario: For honest, emotional sharing with trusted people.

Examples:

• “I’m not doing too great lately.”
• “Having a rough time — not feeling my best.”
• “It’s been tough; I’m not doing so well.”

Tone: Gentle honesty. 

Explanation: Great for personal conversations where you want empathy, not pity.

10. I’m a Little Run Down

Scenario: For when you’ve been overworking or lacking rest.

Examples:

• “I’m a little run down — might take the weekend to recharge.”
• “Feeling run down after a busy week.”
• “I’ll rest up; been pushing too hard lately.”

Tone: Balanced and reflective. 

Explanation: Communicates tiredness in a healthy, responsible way.

11. I’m Not Feeling Up to It

Scenario: When you want to decline plans politely.

Examples:

• “Thanks for inviting me, but I’m not feeling up to it.”
• “I’ll skip today — not really up for much.”
• “I need to rest, not feeling up to socializing.”

Tone: Polite and firm. 

Explanation: Helps set boundaries while staying kind and considerate.

12. I’m a Bit Under the Weather

Scenario: A lighthearted, repeatable version for small illness.

Examples:

• “Just a bit under the weather, nothing major.”
• “Feeling off, maybe just need rest.”
• “I’ll be okay soon — under the weather today.”

Tone: Soft and friendly. 

Explanation: Works anywhere — from emails to texts.

13. I Need to Rest

Scenario: When you’re prioritizing health.

Examples:

• “I need to rest today.”
• “Taking the day off — need to recharge.”
• “I’ll skip this one; I need rest.”

Tone: Responsible and self-caring. 

Explanation: Straightforward and mindful — perfect for self-awareness.

14. I’m Not Feeling Great

Scenario: Neutral, simple, and clear.

Examples:

• “I’m not feeling great today.”
• “A little off — not feeling too well.”
• “Might stay home, not feeling great.”

Tone: Everyday casual. 

Explanation: Natural and adaptable — works in texts or quick updates.

15. I’m Not Feeling Okay

Scenario: When you’re emotionally or physically off.

Examples:

• “I’m not feeling okay right now.”
• “It’s been a tough day — I’m not okay.”
• “I’ll rest; I’m not feeling myself.”

Tone: Vulnerable and soft. 

Explanation: Encourages compassion and understanding — suitable for close conversations.

16. I’m Feeling a Bit Rough

Scenario: Informal way to describe not feeling well.

Examples:

• “Feeling a bit rough this morning.”
• “I’ll take it easy — had a rough night.”
• “Not feeling the best, bit rough today.”

Tone: Casual and human. 

Explanation: Friendly and natural — ideal for peers or friends.

17. I Need a Mental Health Break

Scenario: For emotional fatigue or stress.

Examples:

• “I need a mental health break today.”
• “Taking time to recharge mentally.”
• “Stepping away — I need to reset.”

Tone: Responsible and respectful. 

Explanation: Modern and mindful — shows self-care and awareness.

18. I’m Not Feeling So Hot

Scenario: Light, slightly humorous way to say you’re sick.

Examples:

• “I’m not feeling so hot today.”
• “Woke up not feeling too great.”
• “I’ll stay in — not feeling too hot.”

Tone: Friendly and informal. 

Explanation: Sounds conversational — works in relaxed chats.

19. I’m Feeling Unwell

Scenario: Formal and clear — perfect for professional contexts.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling unwell and won’t be in today.”
• “I’ll rest up, feeling unwell since this morning.”
• “Taking sick leave — I’m unwell.”

Tone: Professional and polite. 

Explanation: Simple, appropriate for HR or work emails.

20. I’m Not Feeling My Best Self

Scenario: When you feel emotionally disconnected or tired.

Examples:

• “I’m not feeling my best self lately.”
• “Need some quiet time — not my best self today.”
• “Just not feeling right these days.”

Tone: Reflective and mature. 

Explanation: Balanced between honesty and emotional awareness.

21. I’m Having an Off Day

Scenario: Light way to say you’re not okay without deep detail.

Examples:

• “Having an off day today.”
• “Not feeling quite right, just off.”
• “It’s one of those off days.”

Tone: Friendly and real. 

Explanation: A gentle way to express temporary struggle.

22. I’m Feeling Exhausted

Scenario: When you’re tired beyond just physical illness.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling exhausted — need rest.”
• “Totally drained after this week.”
• “Too tired to do much today.”

Tone: Honest and straightforward. 

Explanation: Strong but simple way to show fatigue.

23. I’m Feeling a Little Sick

Scenario: Clear and simple — fits any situation.

Examples:

• “I’m feeling a little sick, might stay home.”
• “Not great today — a bit sick.”
• “I’ll skip class; I’m not well.”

Tone: Neutral and polite. 

Explanation: Easy to use anywhere — neither too formal nor too casual.

24. I’m Feeling Off Today

Scenario: For minor discomfort or emotional imbalance.

Examples:

• “Feeling off today — might stay in.”
• “Not sure why, but I’m not myself.”
• “Just one of those off days.”

Tone: Casual and natural. 

Explanation: Great for social messages or friendly updates.

25. I’m a Little Burnt Out

Scenario: For emotional and work-related fatigue.

Examples:

• “Feeling a little burnt out this week.”
• “I need time to recharge — burnout’s kicking in.”
• “Taking a slow day; I’m burnt out.”

Tone: Honest and relatable. 

Explanation: Expresses overwork compassionately.

26. I’m Not Feeling 100%

Scenario: Mild way to say you’re off but not seriously ill.

Examples:

• “Not feeling 100% today.”
• “I’ll rest a bit, not quite myself.”
• “Feeling slightly off today.”

Tone: Polite and reserved. 

Explanation: Good for professional and casual use.

27. I Need Some Time to Recharge

Scenario: When you’re emotionally drained or tired.

Examples:

• “I need a bit of time to recharge.”
• “Taking it slow today — recharging my energy.”
• “Need some quiet time to reset.”

Tone: Mindful and mature. 

Explanation: Gentle, self-aware, and balanced.

28. I’m a Little Worn Out

Scenario: Perfect for work or life exhaustion.

Examples:

• “I’m a little worn out from the week.”
• “Feeling worn out — going to take it easy.”
• “Been nonstop; I’m exhausted.”

Tone: Relatable and calm. 

Explanation: Communicates tiredness without sounding negative.

29. I’m Not Feeling Too Good

Scenario: Informal and honest.

Examples:

• “I’m not feeling too good today.”
• “Feeling unwell — I’ll rest.”
• “Might take it slow, not great today.”

Tone: Friendly and simple. 

Explanation: Works for close conversations and quick check-ins.

30. I’m Feeling a Bit Low

Scenario: For emotional down days.

Examples:

• “Feeling a bit low today.”
• “Not my usual self — bit low lately.”
• “Just need some rest — feeling low.”

Tone: Soft and caring. 

Explanation: Honest but gentle — shows emotional vulnerability without heaviness.

Conclusion

Finding other ways to say “I’m not feeling well” helps you express yourself more genuinely and appropriately for different situations. Some phrases are better for work, others for emotional openness, but all help you communicate with empathy, honesty, and self-care.

Whether you’re physically sick, mentally tired, or emotionally drained, remember — it’s okay to pause, rest, and take care of yourself.