Sorry to hear about your mother.
Yes I agree I think you almost have to welcome the anxiety when it shows up, and then deal with it accordingly, the art of distraction works really well. And then also the fear of anxiety etc.. can be turned into a positive thing , no sugar etc.. so well done for that. Its always sad when a loved one passes but we know its going to happen sooner or later, that thought in its self makes me depressed as in what's the point of doing anything if that's the case but as they say the show must go on. I welcome any distraction tactics you may have for dealing with anxiety?
I drive a bus around busy London so for me when it gets really busy that's when I seem to have a problem so I try to distract my self during the busy times. And I also avoid any crowded areas.