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 don’t think you do forget skills. I can still roll a cigarette just as well now as when I quit 16 years ago. I could still ride a bike after a 10yr gap and I could still roller skate just as well after an 18 month COVID lockdown.