Why You Don't Need To Explain Your Reason For Taking A Day Off

LOADING ERROR LOADING I am one of those poor unfortunate souls who feels the need to have a “reason” to take the day off from work. “It’s your time to take, recharge, rest and return back to work refreshed.” You’ve earned your sick time, vacation and personal days ― and given the heightened stress you’re likely under because of the COVID-19 crisis, you probably really need them, even if you’re doing “nothing” for the day. “We really need to normalize rest in the workplace, and not guilt people into feeling like if they take time off, they’re exhibiting laziness,” Dominguez said. “Many times people-pleasing cause us to feel obligated to explain why we’re taking off,” said Melody Wilding, a coach and author of “Trust Yourself: Stop Overthinking and Channel Your Emotions for Success at Work.” “We may feel shame — like we’re not good enough or we are failing — if we need to take a mental health day or time off, which couldn’t be further from the truth,” she said. “At that point, they’re understandably going to become more inquisitive,” said Taylor, the author of “Tame Your Terrible Office Tyrant: How to Manage Childish Boss Behavior and Thrive in Your Job.” Oscar Wong via Getty Images "We really need to normalize rest in the workplace, and not guilt people into feeling like if they take time off, they’re exhibiting laziness," said career Keni Dominguez.