Comment by em-bee
well, if you commute by bike you are already doing exercise, so you are already ahead (compared to someone who doesn't exercise at all), but also your commute time won't fluctuate as much, so there is less flexibility. it would be unlikely that you arrive at work early for example.
if i am exhausted after work (which is a problem in itself, but that's a different topic), i'd look for a more relaxing route to bike. sideroads with less traffic, detours through public parks, etc. after an exhausting day i want to relax, and so i would try to start relaxing the moment i get out of the office, not just after i get home. one of the reasons why i like public transport. someone else is driving.
i am not trying to suggest that you should do the same, but maybe something resonates with you.
Ime biking is not the same as walking, mentally. Walking helps much more for a mental winding down. Otherwise I agree with the advice and often I prefer longer but more scenic routes for this reason.