I get up for work, do the kids thing, but then I walk nearly all the way to the train station, order a coffee as if I'm headed to the office, pick it up, turn around and walk back home.

I completely agree with you. Routine is important and the first half hour of walking is usually trash, the real important thinking and debriefing happens in the 2nd half hour. I don't listen to podcasts or wear headphones anymore to get there sooner.