Travel writer Tara McAndrew had a revelation when she found herself in a New Zealand forest instead of the rental apartment she was supposed to visit. This moment prompted her to reconsider her heavy reliance on GPS for navigation. Over the past ten years, McAndrew, based in Ontario, has traveled extensively across Europe, Asia, and North America. While she still uses Waze or Google Maps for directions in unfamiliar cities, she has made a conscious effort to navigate her way back without relying solely on technology.
Research indicates that getting lost can be beneficial for brain health and cognitive function. A study conducted at McGill University in 2020 revealed that individuals who heavily depend on GPS for directions tend to have poorer spatial memory, which can deteriorate over time with increased GPS usage. Louisa Dahmani, a neuroscientist involved in the study, emphasized that the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for spatial memory, could atrophy if not regularly exercised through navigation without GPS assistance.
To combat spatial-memory loss and cognitive decline, Dahmani suggests being mindful of one’s surroundings while using GPS and attempting to navigate without technology, as McAndrew does. Embracing challenges and getting lost can help exercise the brain’s spatial memory muscle, contributing to overall cognitive well-being.
In a similar vein, Brenda Holder, a Cree traditional knowledge keeper, teaches land-navigation skills through Mahikan Trails in southwestern Alberta. She emphasizes the importance of staying calm when feeling lost and relying on natural cues in the environment for wayfinding. Holder highlights various techniques such as observing the sun, stars, and landmarks to navigate effectively without solely depending on technology.
While technology like GPS is valuable, it has led to what Holder refers to as “nature deficit disorder,” diminishing the connection between individuals and the natural world. By trusting intuition and honing navigational skills beyond technology, individuals can enhance their understanding of the environment and foster a deeper connection with nature.
As McAndrew reflects on her journey, she acknowledges the decline in her ability to visualize streets and landmarks in her hometown due to increased reliance on GPS. Starting with paper maps and transitioning to modern navigation tools has given her a well-rounded perspective on navigation. By incorporating a mix of traditional and modern navigation methods, McAndrew aims to strike a balance between technology and cognitive engagement in her travels.
