I think people over think instrument flying. Maintaining straight and level is exactly the same for IMC conditions as it is for VMC. The only difference is that instead of using the natural horizon in order to maintain the a wings level cruise pitch attitude you use the AI.
Like flying in VMC the majority of your time should be spent looking at the horizon, in this case the AI not the natural one. If the aircraft attitude is correctly maintained none of the other instruments are going to move much so job done.
Fl1ingfrog dos bring up a good point. For a new pilot you are your worst enemy as the airplane does not know it is in cloud. This is why getting some training in actual IMC conditions is very important in order to gain the confidence to believe your instruments.