eli5 why do we “forget” long practiced skills after a period of time of not using said skills? and how can we regain those skills

Question

i noticed that after the holidays my math plummeted and teachers told me its because of the break i took… why does this happen and how can i regain those skills acquired prior to the break

In: 356

Answer 1

I would imagine physical and mental atrophy would be the cause.

Like if you play an instrument then take a break it can take a little time to get use to flexing certain muscles together again that only really suits playing and isn’t necessary in day to day stuff.
Like when in real life would you use the old lady hand or the bear claw?

Practice would get you back to functioning the muscles/synapses