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

Probably because you subconsciously don’t like it that much so your brain does the best to forget it branding those memories as unpleasant. I’m a programmer and that happens to me all the time. You cant make yourself like something you don’t but there are workarounds. I spend a lot of time working on my set up, getting the right notebooks and pens and keyboard and mouse and mousepad and a comfortable chair. All of these things makes me want to be in many desk and when I’m there I know it’s time for work.
Maybe you cant make yourself love math but i suggest you work on your setup make it as comfortable as possible, that’ll tell your brain that maybe is not that unpleasant, maybe those skills and memories are worth saving.