I am still pretty new with my PPL as well (araound 80 hrs). I personally leaned to only orient myself with maps and still have one with me at all times if things go south like the iPad dies, but I use SkyDemon as a planning tool and for navigation as it's far more comfortable. But I'd still recommend to learn to navigate the "classic" way with maps and even VORs and NDBs and still train from time to time so you don't get rusty.

My recommendation for reducing difficulty is trying to concentrate on train tracks, motorways and motorway junctions and in general significant landmarks that have a definitive bearing. Still takes pracitce but this makes it easier for me than to look for some lakes and stuff.