Feeling guilty about calling in sick is a common reaction, but it's important to shift your mindset toward seeing it as a necessary part of maintaining both your health and your productivity. When you're sick, your ability to perform at your best is compromised, and forcing yourself to work through illness can often result in slower recovery or mistakes due to lack of focus. Not to mention, if you're contagious, coming into work could spread illness to your coworkers, potentially creating a larger problem for your workplace. To reduce feelings of guilt, focus on the fact that taking a sick day is an investment in your long-term well-being. Communicate with your employer as early as possible, being upfront about your symptoms and your inability to work effectively. This shows professionalism and honesty, which most employers will appreciate. Additionally, some companies encourage their employees to take mental health and physical health days when needed, reinforcing the idea that it’s okay to take time for yourself. Remember that your employer would prefer you take a day or two off to recover rather than working while sick and potentially needing more time off later due to a worsened condition.