My first comment would be to get a shorter commute!
I don't have a commute now, but when I lived in japan for a short period I had about ~hour commute by bike and train, and loved it, because I could take some time to think, be without obligation, and even work if I wanted to, which is something I don't get much of. Personally, I'd prolly be unsatisfied trying to be as productive as possible, so I often welcome that kind of stress-free down time...but mehbe that's because I'm often too busy.
How's mandarin learning going?