Be lost. It is probably one of the oldest phobias of humanity. We associate being lost with danger, abandonment, and helplessness. They even gave the name to a TV show.

Modern technology has greatly reduced the chances of getting lost, or at least STAYING that way for long. However, it is still a common form of driving phobia. Some people will absolutely not drive through unfamiliar territory, especially at night. Like agoraphobia, the fear of missing out can seem metaphorically chained to your comfort zone.

Getting really lost in a car on a highway in the 21st century is pretty unlikely. The problem isn’t so much getting lost, it’s your REACTION. Use the 7 tips in this article to help avoid a panic attack if you get lost. It’s actually easier than you think.

Here are 7 ideas to help you stay calm if you get lost while driving.

1. Take a break: Do you remember that old Monty Python song, “Just remember you’re standing on a spinning planet…?” Stop for a moment. Remember that you are standing on a planet that has been photographed, scanned and cataloged for decades. You may not know where you are, but chances are good that finding out quickly is within your reach.
2. Use your phone’s GPS: The obvious next step is to use GPS tracking on your cell phone to find out where you are. You must have some kind of mapping application that you can query. Your “map app” will immediately pinpoint your location.
3. Use a map: Don’t have a cell phone? Look in the glove compartment for an old-style paper map. It’s less important to know exactly where you are than to feel like you’re in control of the situation. Just know that you will soon be back on familiar ground.
4. Take over: Imagine that you are an adult who has found a lost child. What would you do to get him or her to go back to her mommy? What if you were that child? Who would you call?
5. Call for reinforcements: If you’re really freaking out, call someone you trust and talk to them for a while. Ask them if they know the area and if they can point you in the right direction. Even if they don’t know it, just hearing a familiar voice can help calm them down.
6. Retrace your trail: Another option when you don’t know where you are is to simply turn around and go back the way you came. Go back your way until you see something you recognize.
7. Ask for help: Unless you’re doing some serious off-roading, there are probably people around somewhere. Asking for directions when you’re lost is still a perfectly To do!

Nobody likes to get lost while driving, but there is nothing to fear. It turns out to be the best of us, even with all our modern gadgets. Being lost is not really your enemy; your FEAR of losing you is the real problem. You probably have the tools to get you lost in your hands right now.