With the 2026 National High School Exam (Enem) approaching, many students are taking advantage of the school vacation period to intensify their study routine. However, a common question among candidates is whether it is worth dedicating the entire recess to preparing for the test or taking time to rest.

According to Michele Cristina Branco Santos, coordinator of the Pedagogy course at Faculdade Anhanguera, the ideal is to find a balance between content review and leisure time. “Rest does not mean leaving goals aside. Breaks are important to recover energy, reduce stress and improve learning capacity”, he explains.

Find your limit and don’t blame yourself for resting

Some students benefit from a longer break, while others prefer to maintain a light revision routine. According to professor Michele Cristina Branco Santos, there is no single rule. The important thing is to respect individual limits and avoid guilt about resting.

However, resting can improve study performance. Adequate sleep, leisure time and physical activity contribute to memory, concentration and mood. Additionally, taking breaks helps reduce the risk of physical and emotional burnout.

Take advantage of your vacation to consolidate knowledge

Vacations may be more suitable for reviewing material already studied, organizing notes and identifying points that need reinforcement. “It is not necessary to turn recess into an extension of the school routine. The student can take advantage of this period to consolidate knowledge and prepare for the final stretch of the year”, advises Michele Cristina Branco Santos.

According to her, the best strategy is to adopt a flexible routine, without excessive goals. A few hours dedicated to reviewing content, combined with enjoyable activities and time with family and friends, are usually enough to maintain the pace without compromising on well-being.

Balance is more important than intensity

Although the proximity of Enem increases pressure among candidates, the teacher reinforces that holidays also play an important role in learning process. Taking advantage of the period to rest and recharge your energy can be as important as dedicating a few hours to review the content.

“A balanced plan that combines guided reading, focused study and rest guarantees better content retention and greater emotional well-being. Reading daily, whether teaching texts, summaries, commented questions or complementary readings, stimulates critical reasoning and expands vocabulary, facilitating the understanding of questions. Adequate rest improves memory consolidation and concentration capacity, making study hours more productive”, emphasizes Michele Cristina Branco Santos.

How to get back to your routine without difficulties

After the holidays, gradually planning to resume studying can make adaptation smoother. “The student does not need to give up vacation to perform well on the Enem. Efficient preparation is built on consistency and balance, and not on excessive hours of study”, highlights the coordinator.

By Priscila Dezidério