Deb,
I think we've all "been there, had that problem!" so hang in there. This too will get better. In my case I started pulling the basting pins out as I moved away from the center. No matter how carefully I baste that sandwich there is always a little extra fabric on the bottom. So, pull the pins and shove that fabric on out and away from the center.
Also, When taking a class from Don Lin, he said to only worry about that little bit of quilt that under your needle. I try to make sure that the square foot or so around the needle is smooth, top and bottom, and then quilt away. When I move to the next section I pull the pins, smooth it out and quilt away. And so it goes until I'm at the outside edge and I can breathe again!
I hope you will soon find your own technique that allows you to relax while your working on your project.