You talking maps I assume? Yes it’s full on, probably the most overwhelming part of any flying career is learning DR Nav. You have just spent considerable time trying to master the art of flying, now you need to do that, plus master the art of map navigating at the same time.
In regards to your question around what everyone else does, well simply most use EFBs which reduce the workload significantly. I know many don’t like students playing with EFBs during the PPL phase, but download the app and use it alongside your planning, cross checking numbers, good way to see if you have screwed up, which everyone does. You can fiddle around with it on the couch, laying in bed, stuck on the train, I think it’s a good way to get your head around what is really just a map on a iPad.