Finding the worklife tedious and off-hours somewhat of a routine?
Why not use your travel to work something of an exploration?
Take one day a week or month, and use a different route by whatever means of transport you use.
Take that extra detour down that sideway you've been driving past the last year, or explore the local bus routes. Look at places. Look at people. Maybe even interact!
Perhaps that extra half hour would prove worthwhile?