Kriti Sanon admits to having a ‘terrible directional sense’; experts detail why that happens and some strategies that can help

Taking a cue from her revelation, let’s understand why some of us experience this issue.

Dr Manjusha Agarwal, senior consultant in internal medicine at Gleneagles Hospital Parel, Mumbai, shared that many people have a “terrible sense of direction,” calling it a common trait. “Women, on average, report more difficulty with direction than men. These individuals have normal intelligence, memory, and vision. It is thought to be due to inefficient use of the spatial navigation network, possibly from underdevelopment or genetic predisposition,” said consultant neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad.

Notably, the sense of direction or spatial navigation is a complex cognitive ability involving multiple brain regions, said Dr Kumar, adding that the “key areas include the hippocampus, entorhinal cortex, retrosplenial cortex, parietal lobe, and thalamus. ”

Poor directional sense can be associated with how the brain processes spatial information. “Some individuals are dependent on landmarks than internal maps, making them also dependent on visual cues rather than orientation skills,” said Dr Agarwal.

Additionally, other factors, such as low activity in the hippocampus, the brain area responsible for navigation, can affect one’s ability to form mental maps. “Some people also prefer walking without tracking directions, which may further weaken their navigation habits over time,” said Dr Agarwal.

Lack of practice, overreliance on GPS, and even anxiety can cause one to forget the directions or feel “lost.”

Here’s what you must consider (Photo: Freepik)

However, it is possible to improve directional skills with practice, like using physical maps, exploring new places without GPS, or playing navigation-based games. “Pay attention to the landmarks and signs. So, while some may be naturally direction-challenged, awareness and small changes can help to improve directions,” said Dr Agarwal.

Seek help from others without feeling embarrassed or shameful, in case you tend to get stuck at any point in time.

According to Dr Kumar, here are some strategies that can help.

Practice mental mapping: Try sketching a rough map from memory after visiting a place. “Visualise routes in your mind before and after travel,” said Dr Kumar.
Use landmarks strategically: Identify unique, stable landmarks (e.g., a large tree, shop, or temple).
Verbalise directions: Saying directions aloud (e.g., “left at the general store”) reinforces memory. “Teaching someone else a route helps you consolidate it,” said Dr Kumar.
Use technology mindfully: Use GPS for learning, but don’t overrely on it. “Try navigating without it after a few guided attempts,” said Dr Kumar.
Games: Play navigation and memory games
Walk instead of driving when possible: Walking enhances awareness of landmarks and spatial layout more than driving.
Develop route alternatives: Purposefully explore multiple ways to reach the same destination to build spatial flexibility.
Stay calm when lost: Anxiety impairs spatial processing. “Stop, breathe, and retrace steps using landmarks,” said Dr Kumar.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

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