Listen to books on tape — the self-help kind or that classic novel you always meant to read. And note that praying, repeating affirmations or meditating — with your eyes open, of course! — have all been proven to lower blood pressure, enhance memory and increase creativity, says Kathleen Hall, Ph.D., founder of The Stress Institute in Atlanta. Another option: Tune in to a stand-up comedy CD. Laughter boosts circulation by 22 percent, according to University of Maryland researchers.

Enjoy the View

“Look for striking or unusual sights while you drive,” advises job coach Kate Larsen, author of Progress Not Perfection. “What have you never noticed before?” It could be something as simple as a bird flock forming a perfect “V,” or a pink sky at sunset. “You’ll increase your sense of wonder,” says Larsen, “which takes your mind off the mundane.” When you get home, make a note of what you’ve seen and review your notes whenever discontentment sets in.

Use Common Scents

Essential oils — soaked into a cotton ball — have major mood-regulating powers, says Hall. For alertness, sniff peppermint, eucalyptus or citrus oil; to calm down, try lavender or chamomile. (And if you need to stay motivated, pop a stick of cinnamon or peppermint gum!) Meanwhile, Funky to Fabulous author Eli Davidson “triggers happy emotions” by stuffing her coffee-cup holder with fresh-cut gardenias, freesias and orange blossoms.

Attract Positive Energy

“A peaceful car means a peaceful journey,” says Chicago feng shui instructor Sharon Weinstein. Intensify your focus by removing car-seat clutter, and mount a soothing-scene photo on the passenger-side visor to remind yourself there’s more to life than traffic. You might also tie a blue ribbon around your rearview mirror, suggests Weinstein. “Blue represents water, and the perfect state of mind — flowing and clear.” Finally, scrub your windows: “It allows chi [life energy] to enter from the outside.”

Drive “Om”

A little driver’s-seat yoga increases blood flow, works out kinks (physical and mental) and maintains joint flexibility. At red lights, try simple neck, shoulder, ankle and glute exercises. “Or do them in the driveway before you take off,” Hall advises. Pick up the Lakshmi Voelker Chair Yoga audio CD for the lowdown on car-friendly moves.