Physical activity and mental health before Enem

With the National Secondary Education Examination (Enem) approaching, students’ routines are often filled with long study sessions, content revision and anxiety about exam day. During this period, alongside organising a preparation timetable, keeping the body active can be a way to support energy levels and wellbeing.

According to Igor Bonelli, coordinator of the Physical Education course at Faculdade Anhanguera, regular physical activity is linked to significant physical and mental health benefits and may indirectly support a study routine. However, care is needed with both the intensity and timing of exercise, especially in the days before the exam.

“Physical exercise can help to reduce stress, improve mood and boost feelings of energy, all of which can make a difference to a study routine. However, it is not advisable to try a new activity or undertake a very intense workout on the eve of an important exam. Ideally, students should maintain a routine they are already used to,” he explains.

Physical activity supports mental health for the exam

The connection between physical activity and cognitive functions has been examined across several scientific fields. Exercise can trigger physiological changes that support brain function and, when included consistently in daily life, is associated with benefits in areas such as attention, mood and sleep quality.

For those preparing for Enem, this means exercise should not be viewed as a formula for increasing their marks. Instead, it should form part of a balanced routine that can promote conditions important for studying and sitting the exam.

“We cannot say that exercising immediately before Enem will guarantee a better result. What can make a difference is building a healthy routine throughout the preparation period, including physical activity, sufficient sleep, a balanced diet and periods of rest,” Igor Bonelli points out.

Which physical activity should you do on the eve of Enem?

On the day before the exam, the advice is to avoid sudden changes to the usual routine. For students who already exercise, a gentle walk, stretching or another low-intensity activity may be suitable ways to move the body and aid relaxation. In contrast, very intense training, particularly for those unaccustomed to it, may cause muscle fatigue, aches, dehydration and disrupted rest.

“Students do not need to complete a demanding workout to gain the benefits of physical activity. On the eve of the exam, the aim should be to keep the body active without causing excessive tiredness. A gentle walk or an activity that is already part of their routine may be more appropriate,” the expert advises.

Care to arrive at the exam in good condition

On the day of Enem, the priority should be arriving well rested and allowing enough time to avoid stressful situations before the exam. For those already in the habit of exercising in the morning, a gentle activity can remain part of the routine, provided it does not affect the exam time or cause fatigue.

Igor Bonelli also advises paying attention to hydration, diet and sleep in the days leading up to the exam. “Effective preparation does not happen only at the study desk. Rest and looking after the body are also part of this process. The most important thing is to avoid excess and maintain habits the student already knows,” he concludes.

By Luana Figueiredo