My commute into work is usually 17 mins. Going home I take a different but sane return route that is predictable and has less traffic but takes 25 minutes. I use my commute time to catch up on tech news and security issues via podcasts. I find this time very valuable. My wife works maybe 6 miles further intown than I do and her commute is 35 minutes in the morning and with no sane return route tends to be 45 to 65 minutes long.

My commute is good for me. Her commute wears on her. She is not tech focused so she does not listen to podcasts.

I would love to walk to work or ride a bike. But with olders kids and school choices being a driving force for where we live that is not possible yet.

We craft our day around the commute. We are up at 4:30 and at the gym by 5:20. We strive for 5 days a week at the gym. We probably average more like 4.5.

With the early rise I have to be in bed by 9PM to 10PM most nights.

Gosh now I'm thinking when my youngest goes to college I move much closer to work. Maybe even rent and not buy since I have 4 more years before I retire.

I'm also lucky at work. I have an office with a door. Power naps most days keep me productive in the afternoon.

You could just use a different ritual, like work out just after coming home.