I have had a few MRI's, several of my abdomen and one of my back.
The technician will talk to you and that helps; it also helps to know that the technician can hear you from in there. They will tell you to breathe, to hold it, and when it's okay to exhale sometimes.
They'll also ask how you are doing and tell you about how far along the imaging procedure is. They know it can be a difficult thing to do. I always ask how long it will take when I get into the room. I think they ask if you are cluastrophobic, and if not I hope you'll let them know.

The machine moves and makes all these hilarious banging noises. That was distracting and amusing to me. Here was this big, expensive, sophisticated machine making the big banging noises that sounded anything but sophisticated. Too funny.

There are open MRI's and you might want to see if you have one near you.

The small space was trying. I found one spot to fix my eyes. Dissociation can be a helpful tool at times like this. I imagined I was lying on the beach, relaxed and thinking or daydreaming. I used my breathing techniques and several times I felt like I was at my limit right at the same time it was finished. You will likely need to have your arms over your head and they make sure you are comfortable before you begin.

I also used my breathing techniques/relaxation exercises before the procedure and envisioned myself having the procedure and finishing and being done with it.