[crewtide]

Taking a day off is much harder than doing something in particular that's fun. I rarely "take a day off" -- frankly, it's boring. But doing something in particular is much easier. He's your friend, so you probably know what he likes -- suggest something. An all-day hike, paintball, star-trek marathon, you could even toss around romantic ideas he could do with his wife. Give him something specific to do that's compelling, and I bet he'll be more likely to do it than "take time off."