I need some encouragement

[shootingstar]

Do you only have a choice of 1 route to get to work? For all the different bike commuting I did between home and several different workplace locations, I usually had a choice of 2 different bike routes. Even if the "difference", was only a change of a particular route change for 20-40% of the route.

It kept my muscles and motivation from becoming "bored" for bike work commuting nearly daily during cycling seasons.

I also usually commuted early enough, that I made sure I had cushion of 20-30 min. to relax with a coffee AFTER I changed into work clothing but BEFORE starting work. Everyone is different here, but it allowed me to transition more gradually from bike to work. Of course, it means waking up earlier and starting earlier..which meant less traffic. I don't know what London traffic is like, but in Toronto and Vancouver, car commuting traffic can suddenly become higher in volume within 20-30 min. after a certain time in the morning on week days.

I don't know how long your bike commute route is, but not biking for just 1 day, every 10-14 days was helpful to me. It prevented me from becoming "bored" or feeling slightly burnt out from cycling. After all, on weekends/vacations I was cycling much longer /demanding routes.