Why is it that some of us know instinctively where to go and others wander around without a clue? Some researchers believe the answer lies deep within the brain, embodied by an actual “sense” of direction than can be resurrected and trained. As we know, humans’ sense of direction and ability to navigate has been a crucial survival tool for us. However, there are still some people who habitually get lost in parking garages and spend a lot of time staring at street signs with an exasperated look. I am always one of these guys, so I have unintentionally started finding how to improve the sense of direction, since the first time I got confused about street signs and got lost in some tunnels. Here are some tips from my research on how to improve your ability to figure out where you are and how to get to your intended destination.
The first thing you need to do is to stop relying too much on the GPS. Some neuroscientists believe that as we become increasingly dependent upon that gadget on the dashboard to tell us where to go, our ability to form mental maps increasingly may atrophy. Actually, sometime it is really scary as it seems, from my personal experience, I always put on GPS to go somewhere even though sometimes I know where exactly the these places are. And there was one day, my GPS accidently cut off on me and left me in the middle of nowhere. Eventually, I called my friends and picked me up. So, try turning your GPS off at least occasionally and using your own senses, memory and imagination to get to where you are going.
Secondly, you need to start looking at what is around you. People have become so accustomed to using GPS and following lists of directions that we often ignore our surroundings, which deprives us of the visual data that we need to form associations and mentally map our surroundings. So one of the best ways to improve your sense of direction is that try to notice and remember features of the environment from now on, such as distinctive buildings, trees, monuments, landscaping, and this will eventually help you to form a more detailed mental picture.
Finally, you have to train you brain. According to Ausim Azizi, the neurologist in Temple University, he says that there are two modes of mental navigation—utilizing landmarks to memorize directions, and calculating distances, such as remembering to go 50 yards to the north and then 50 yards to the east. However, he best way to improve your navigational abilities is to practice using both of these methods at once. He suggests picking a landmark, looking at it, and then locating it on a map, so that you can calibrate your ability to calculate distance as well.
October 18, 2015 at 2:06 pm
I find Ausim Azizi’s concept of there being two modes of mental navigation quite interesting. I think the majority of people, myself included, are used to mapping out areas using certain buildings, shops or parks as bookmarks but I have never tried remembering directions by estimating distances.
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October 18, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Well, I think both are pretty similar. Calculating ditances for me is more likely used to memorize a short distance. And landmarks or certain buidlings are used to memorize long distence. :)))))
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October 18, 2015 at 2:13 pm
I agree! We tend to lose our sense of adventure as well with the heavy reliance on our GPS everywhere we go. I will definitely try to rely less on mine 🙂
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October 18, 2015 at 2:23 pm
Haha, just try to turn off it occasionally, and force yourself to preactice your own sense of direction:)))
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October 18, 2015 at 11:32 pm
I reply way too much on my GPS. Will be using these tips to try break the habit of automatically turning it on!
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October 19, 2015 at 8:47 am
Ikr, it’s time to get rid of it
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October 18, 2015 at 11:47 pm
I honestly cannot drive to unfamiliar places without GPS… so need to fix my sense of direction. Thanks for sharing this
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November 1, 2015 at 1:42 am
All good, walk around in city and practice your sense of direction.
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October 18, 2015 at 11:48 pm
Very interesting! It’s always nice to turn off your GPS once in a while and explore the good old fashioned way, it may take you twice as long to find your destination but your journey there turns into an unforgettable adventure and a great story to tell at the very least! Will be sure to try out Ausim Azizi’s modes of mental navigation 🙂
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October 19, 2015 at 8:56 am
yeah, it’s a good idea to explore the good old fashioned way while going to ur destination instead of using GPS to navigate.
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October 18, 2015 at 11:52 pm
I find your comment – Some neuroscientists believe that as we become increasingly dependent upon that gadget on the dashboard to tell us where to go, our ability to form mental maps increasingly may atrophy. – very interesting! I definitely rely a lot on GPS and I feel like that’s why I’m so hopeless with directions!
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October 19, 2015 at 3:33 am
You’re saying I have to alleviate my addiction to Google Maps?? I’ll try haha
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October 19, 2015 at 8:57 am
U should try, it’s time to get rid of it. haha
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October 19, 2015 at 9:00 am
I cant live without GPS because even I’m using it I still get lost…….
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October 27, 2015 at 12:18 pm
Then, here I’m telling u there are so many ways u can practice your sense of direction, it at least can help u to get lost less often.:)))
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