@baltique,
I share your pain. I too am one of those notorious nervous passengers. My wife and I recently did a round-trip (vacation) from CT, USA to St. Thomas USVI. Not much of a distance. I have found the key to relaxation on any flight is contained right there in the plane: wine. Drink lots of it and the flight will be just fine. I usually drink enough of the red stuff until the FA's won't serve me anymore. That's usually enough to cause me to relax and, occasionally, sleep.