Get into a healthy, work-minded routine

June 23, 8:47 AMEntry Level Careers ExaminerHeather Huhman

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Half the battle of finding a job or internship is being in the right mindset and having the right attitude. In order to achieve this state, you need to get into a proper weekday routine.

1. Never sleep past 7 a.m. Get your body used to getting up for work. Do not let yourself sleep until noon. These habits are hard to break, so you may as well start now.

2. Eat a healthy, balanced breakfast. Don’t weigh yourself down with a large, heavy breakfast. I’m not a nutritionist, but I would say stick to non-sugary cereals, fruit, yogurt, oatmeal, etc. Even if you’re not a breakfast person, have a little something.

3. Exercise at least three days a week. I like to exercise every day, mostly for fear I’ll stop if I skip one, but a minimum of three days a week is a good goal. Either join a gym (another tactic that forces me to actually go) or get an exercise buddy and run or walk around your neighborhood or on a nearby trail.

4. Dress for work. Get dressed every morning as if you were going to work that day. This is the same advice given to people who work from home. If you’re dressed for work, your mind is more likely to be on work. For those looking for a job, it has the same affect—helps keep you focused.

5. Leave the house for the day by 9 a.m. and don’t return until 5 p.m. Whether you’re going to the library to apply for jobs, attending a networking event to make more contacts or visiting an organization for an informational interview, keep yourself out of the house and away from your couch and TV the entire day—just like you would if you were working. It’s tough to transition from college to career, so use this extra time to help your body do so.

Bonus Tip: Don't eat out or buy coffee during the day. Before leaving the house, pack a lunch. You need to be saving your money!