Be lost. It is probably one of the oldest phobias of humanity. We associate being lost with danger, abandonment, and helplessness. They even named a television show after him.
Modern technology has greatly reduced the chances of getting lost, or at least STAYING so for a long time. However, it is still a common form of driving phobia. Some people will not drive through unfamiliar territory at all, especially at night. Like agoraphobia, the fear of missing out can feel like being metaphorically chained to your comfort zone.
Getting really lost in a car on a highway in the 21st century is highly unlikely. The problem is not so much getting lost, it is your REACTION. Use the 7 tips in this article to avoid a panic attack if you get lost. In fact, it is easier than you think.
Here are 7 ideas to help you stay calm if you get lost while driving
- Take a break: Remember that old Monty Python song, “Just remember you’re standing on a spinning planet …?” Stop for a moment. Remember you are on a planet that has been photographed, scanned, and cataloged for decades. You may not know where you are, but finding out quickly is very likely within your grasp.
- 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 should have some kind of map app that you can refer to. Your “map app” will immediately pinpoint your location.
- Use a map: Don’t have a cell phone? Look in the glove compartment for an old-style paper map. Finding out exactly where you are is less important than feeling in control. Just know that you will soon be back on familiar ground.
- Take charge: Imagine that you are an adult who has found a lost child. What would you do to give back to his mom? What if you were that kid? Who would you call?
- Request reinforcements: If you are really scared, call someone you trust and talk to them for a bit. Ask them if they know the area and if they can point you in the right direction. Even if they don’t know, just hearing a familiar voice can help calm you down.
- Back up your trail: Another option when you don’t know where you are is to simply turn around and go back the way you came. Drive back along your way until you see something you recognize
- Ask for help: Unless you’re serious off-road driving, chances are there are people out there. Asking for directions when you’re lost is still a perfectly What a good thing to do!
Nobody likes to get lost while driving, but there is really nothing to fear. It happens to the best of us, even with all our modern cool gadgets. Being lost is not really your enemy; your FEAR of losing yourself is the real problem. You probably have the tools to put on miss in your hands right now.