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13 Ways To Treat Yourself On Mother's Day, According To 'Parks & Rec'

by Sarah Bunton

The comedy classic Parks and Recreation has gifted audiences with a plethora of catchphrases, new traditions, and lovable characters. From Donna and Tom's invention of Treat Yo' Self Day to Leslie Knope's penchant for creating celebrations like Galentine's Day, the world has truly been enriched by the fictional folks of Pawnee, Indiana. So what better show to inspire ways to treat yourself on Mother's Day other than Parks & Rec?

Even though burnt toast and spilled orange juice in bed is an endearing gesture from your well-meaning children and your partner might not be the best at reading minds when it comes to Mother's Day, the best way to get what you want is by pampering yourself on your special day.

If you don't want to break the bank or travel too far just for a little "treat yo self" action this coming May 8, don't worry. Thanks to the brilliant minds in Pawnee's Parks and Recreation Department, you have all the inspiration you could ever dream of for having the best Mother's Day ever. Let's not forget one of the main rules "treat yo self" taught us: Do not feel guilty for taking care of you. And what better time to indulge in a little pampering than Mother's Day?

1

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth

Just like your parents and dentists have told you, sugar treats are best reserved for special occasions. And Mother's Day is a very special occasion. So forget counting calories and pick up some of your favorite sweets.

2

Go On A Shopping Spree

You don't have to go broke trying to treat yourself, but even if you do drop a little more dough than you were anticipating, don't feel bad about it. It's your day and you deserve a little something extra because you always give so much of yourself to everyone else year-round.

3

Take A Nap

If you're a parent, then you know that an uninterrupted nap is worth more than gold, diamonds, and crude oil combined. Put a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door and have well-earned siesta.

4

Dress However You Want

One of the things I personally dislike about Mother's Day is that I have to make myself look presentable for pictures, restaurant outings, or what have you. In all honesty, nothing would make me happier than to chill in my PJs and not worry about putting on nice clothes.

5

Eat Whatever You Want, Too

Heart-shaped chocolates not your thing? No worries. Pop open that bag of Cheetos and bask in its artificially orange glow. Ignore the haters and indulge in whatever kind of food makes you happy.

6

Let Loose

Have you been wanting to see if that new club was worth the hype? Have you been dying to showcase your karaoke skills? Do you need to bust a move? Then let loose and have a good ol' fashioned carefree celebration.

7

Do Nothing At All

This is probably the favorite treat yo self activity among my gourp of mom friends. Having a true day off is extremely rare and perhaps that's what makes it so enjoyable. Hire a sitter, rent a hotel room, or whatever you need to do to guarantee that you can just veg out.

8

Embrace Your Inner Child

Sometimes the most fun you can have is when you let yourself feel as uninhibited as a kid does. Act silly, get messy, be loud and don't apologize for a single moment of fun.

9

Have Some "Quality" Time

What better way to celebrate Mother's Day than by doing the activity that actually made you a mother?

10

Bubble It Up

You don't have to spend oodles at a spa to get the same experience. Soak in some bath salts or bubbles, light a few candles, and relax.

11

Feel Classy

Sometimes it's nice to remind yourself that you're an adult who is capable of more than memorizing theme songs to animated television shows. Treat yourself to a nice glass of wine or a lovely dinner.

12

Have A Girl's Night Out

Just like the creator of the infamous woman-centric Galentine's Day, you can put your girls first and have some dude-free fun. Sometimes it's good to just hang out with your best friends, am I right?

13

Binge Watch Your Favorite Show

Turn on Netflix, get comfy, and grab some snacks, because you're about to log some serious hours on the couch watching your favorite show. Treat yo self.