I used to have the same problem with tremors, and like you, my relaxation was painting. When I could no longer paint because of the tremors I started turning to music, up beat music....at first I would just sit and listen to it, dancing in my seat a little...Now when I need to relax I turn the music up so everyone can hear it and I dance around the house, my 2 and 4 year old kids usual join in...they get quite a bit of fun out of it also. After a few minutes of dancing and singing along with the music I didn't notice the shaking anymore.

My hyper-vigilance was never as severe as yours but when it was bad, and this was before we had our kids, my husband would warn me when he was going to do something that could be loud and startle me, starting the dryer or dishwasher, things like that. And he would just whistle while walking through the house, or hum, a constant quiet noise. So that I knew when he was coming into the room.

I hope that helps...if nothing else, just know I understand how you feel. I've been there. I didn't drive then though, and for that exact reason.

To add to the excellent suggestions already provided, I have both tremors, hyper-vigilance, and am on zoloft for anxiety, so I use three different techniques, depending on which started first.
If I have the tremors, I roll into the shakes with my shoulders and move my head around. Often, that will reduce the sensations in the ear and lessen the tremors.
If I have the hyper-vigilance, I stand, turn around in the spot I am in, then put my hands out to my sides and turn around again. Sometimes, that is enough to settle the acute symptoms.
When both present at same time, I relax my eyes, and listen, to feel the changes in the air, and that helps reduce the overwhelming pressure.
Hope you are doing better today.

I know what you are feeling. Ask your psychiatrist about taking Buspar. It is suppossed to stay in your system longer than xanax. plus xanax is addicting as all hell. And working on the coping skills is going to be very hard, but a necessary part of your treatment. Some people who experience high levels of anxiety use biofeedback like sticking your hands in ice, or popping a rubber band on your wrist to bring you back to present. I really do think you may want to get your medications adjusted.

Currently I am on Paxil for the PTSD, trazodone to sleep. I also take protriptyline for migraines. The paxil has done wonders to get rid of the nightmares but I am still training my body it is ok to sleep- so for now I take the trazodone. I avoid using Xanax as much is possible. My mother who abused me was addicted to it. My grandma was also an addict. I have avoided addictive things other than caffeine. I am trying to do meditation but I have not perfected it. I used it yesterday when I was triggered with some success. I have also warned my husband to announce when he comes into a room. He tries to turn on a hall light so I know he is coming. It helps but when outside the house I am finding I have trouble. Like in the grocery store. If I come around a corner and someone is there I am jumpy. I did have to take a xanax today to stop the shaking. My friends also came over for support. I am glad to have them.

I was about 18 or 19 years old (30 years ago) when I taught myself how to relax my body starting at the top of my head and working my way to my toes. I couldn't relax enough to fall asleep period. I'd forgotten all about that. All about that. Listen to Jennie on those techniques. They can make a big difference.

It's thirty years later and I don't have to rely on the relaxation techniques anymore but I don't think I'll ever get away from being easily startled. I have a scream that is worth millions if I could bring it on by will. It doesn't matter where I am at. I can be outside in broad daylight and in complete safety but if someone walks up on me, with me unaware, a scream will escape me before I am even aware that I'm screaming. It scares me almost as much as whoever startled me. They usually turn a lighter shade.