It did help a little bit. Hiccup didn't realize it was even helping because he didn't realize he was having anxiety. Anxiety was pretty much his general state of existence now.

After taking a few breaths, he looked to Howard.

"So what's the damage? Alien brain parasite? Lung-eating diseases? My hands are trying to detach themselves and run off without me?"

He was joking, but it was to cover up the actual concern.