Why Do I Always Feel Sick on My Day Off?
Have you ever had a real day off planned…you know, the kind where you're finally going to rest, take it slow, maybe even do something fun, and then your body decides it's the perfect time to fall apart?
Yeah. Same.
Lately, I’ve been noticing that every time I get a break from work, I feel off. Headaches, tummy troubles, random fatigue… like my body waits for me to relax before it unravels. 🙃 It turns out, this isn’t just me being dramatic…it’s actually a thing.
It’s Called “Leisure Sickness”
Apparently, there's a term for this. It’s called leisure sickness—and while it’s not an official diagnosis, it’s something many people experience. When you go-go-go all week and finally stop, your nervous system shifts out of fight-or-flight mode… and everything you’ve been suppressing shows up. Your immune system slows down, cortisol drops, and boom: welcome to Sick Saturday.
5 Gentle Tips to Prevent Feeling Sick on Your Day Off
I’ve been experimenting with ways to feel better (and actually enjoy my downtime), and wanted to share what’s helping:
1. Prep for Rest—Don’t Crash Into It
Instead of packing your week with nonstop work and then suddenly trying to relax, give yourself a slow runway. The night before your day off, start winding down early—dim lights, light a candle, no scrolling. Let your body ease into rest mode instead of slamming into it like a brick wall.
2. Support Your Nervous System
Magnesium has helped me so much with this. It’s calming, great for digestion, and most people are deficient. I like magnesium glycinate before bed and magnesium spray for sore muscles. (I'll link my favorites below!)
3. Don’t Overschedule Your “Rest Day”
I’m so guilty of turning my day off into a productivity party : deep cleaning the house, catching up on every text, trying to optimize my relaxation. Try keeping one half of the day completely empty. No plans. No pressure.
4. Stay Hydrated + Nourished
Sometimes I feel like a wilted plant on my day off…dehydrated, caffeine crashing, and wondering why I feel awful. Try sipping something warm and mineral-rich in the morning like a tulsi tea or electrolyte drink (I’ll link both!) instead of reaching for coffee right away.
5. Move Gently, Then Rest
I’ve found that doing some light movement (like a walk, stretching, or even foam rolling) helps shift me into rest mode better than flopping straight into bed. Your body likes rhythm—movement, then stillness.
My Sick Day Soothing Staples
If you’re also a sensitive, tired little working human trying to rest without falling apart, here are some of my Amazon faves that help me feel better on slow days:
🛒:
Be Gentle with You
I’m reminding myself (and maybe you too) that we’re not meant to go full-speed all the time.
Let’s try making rest a priority! 💛
🌼 Affiliate Note
Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). I only share products I personally use, love, or would recommend to clients in my spa studio. Your support helps keep Bee Well Living going — thank you! 💛
