Clinical psychologist Dr. Zindel Segal and neuroscientist Dr. Norman Farb explain the science of habitual thought and sensory exploration. If you’ve heard the terms “default mode network” and “salience network” but aren’t sure what they mean, these authors do a decent job of explaining how those parts of the brain function.

This is more popular science than self help. Some of the text is fairly technical for the average reader, although I think most people could understand and benefit from the suggestions of how to toggle back and forth between perception and conceptual cognition to break out of routine and explore new options. I enjoyed the discussion of various scientific studies. The authors are refreshingly honest about how often study results didn’t match their expectations and their process of discovering what the evidence actually showed. It’s a great example of science in action.

The back matter includes acknowledgments, notes, and resources to discover more.

I would recommend this primarily for those interested in learning more about how the brain works.

I was provided an unproofed ARC through NetGalley that I volunteered to review.

Love the concept of sense foraging! This is something I'll return to. "No matter what kind of career we have, we all have parts of our lives where innovation and discovery would be helpful." This makes me want to commit to a more sensory life, especially as an artist - it's something that keeps me alive, awake, refreshed. Makes me want to plan more adventures. Thanks for the ARC!

Thank @netgalley for the ARC of this book. I was excited to read this book as an occupational therapist with an interest in the sensory system and how it helps us self regulate. This book delves into scientific explanations and research that explain how we can optimize our sensory experiences to help live happier and more present lives. The practical strategies in this book focus on helping you become “unstuck” from monotony and learning how to be mindful, curious, and intentional.

This book was an interesting look at how to clear stress or monotony from your life by doing exercises that engage your senses as a way help to bring you back to feeling more grounded and creative. This book does offer sensory exercises to help a person and offers things you should watch for. , A portion of this book was over my head with all the clinical information, psychology history and wording which just took me right out of this book
My sister who loves psychology would probably understand and love this whole book. So, if that is you are you are looking for a way to break out of the monotony of your life, this might be a good book for you.

"Better in Every Sense" by Norman Farb and Zindel Segal offers an analytical exploration of breaking life's monotony through sensory engagement. While the book might not lend itself to a quick weekend read due to its clinical tone, it presents valuable insights grounded in scientific research. The focus on practical exercises to engage the sensory network makes it a useful resource for those seeking a more deliberate and thoughtful approach to navigating life's challenges.

Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC of this book. I thought this book was very interesting and detailed. However, it was a bit over my head at times and very clinical. Again, I did enjoy it but may have been a more pleasurable read for someone with a neurology/psychology background. #BetterInEverySense#Books#Nonfiction