In a world filled with constant stimuli and digital distractions, the concept of sense hacking is an approach which is taking off as a way to enhance our overall wellbeing. And guess what, it’s free!

Sense hacking involves consciously focussing on our sensory experiences to promote mindfulness, reduce stress and improve our connection with the world around us.

In January, my partner and I were walking to a market and I heard a woodpecker. I love hearing woodpeckers because for me I always tend to hear them as Spring is coming in, so it symbolises a change of season. Obviously the seasons aren’t changing anytime soon in January, but it was very nice to hear and it takes me back to childhood. We used to see them a lot in a little park near my childhood home. My partner and I paused to listen, we spotted so many other birds in action, as well as the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, and this was all happening in London! He mentioned how nice it was to do, and I 100% agree. We got to experience the same street in a completely different way.

The Essence of Sense Hacking:

By intentionally directing our attention and engaging our senses in a purposeful manner, we can positively influence our mental, emotional and physical states. It gives you time to pause and focus. You can do it anywhere. You don’t need to be in the depths of the Welsh countryside to reap the benefits of this.

Smell

what can you smell?

If you’re outside, you might smell the fumes of a car, someones perfume or the smell of the river. There might also be layers to it. You might smell a bit of this, followed by a bit of that.

But you can also curate what you want to smell. If you have a favourite essential oil, why not carry it around with you. I really enjoy Geranium, Lavender or Eucalyptus.

Taste

what can you taste?

This ones good to experience when you’re eating a delicious meal. What are getting from the food? Is there bitterness in the chicory, or creaminess of a sauce and how does it feel on your tongue?

By savoring each bite, appreciating textures, aromas and flavours, we can transform a simple meal into a sensory feast.

See

what can you see?

You’ve gone for a walk to the shops, what are in front of your eyes? Take in the colour of the ground, the facial expressions on peoples faces.

Why not focus in on a colour and spot different shade of orange, green or pink that appears in nature?

Hear

what can you hear?

Listen out for the birds, the sound of the trees in the wind, the chatter of walkers, a car in the distance.

This one I love to do when I get a chance to get out of the city. But as I said before, you can definitely also do this in the city. A simple street that you’ve walked along many times gets a whole new meaning.

Feel

what can you feel?

How does the comfy lounge wear feel on your skin? Is it scratchy? Is it soft? How does it feel to hold someones hand or even your own hand? How do the finger pads feel against your other finger pads?

In a world that often pulls us in multiple directions, sense hacking provides a roadmap to mindful living. By embracing intentional sensory experiences, we can unlock a greater appreciation for the richness of our surroundings and cultivate a profound sense of well-being. It's an invitation to rediscover the joy of living through our senses, one intentional moment at a time.

Book recommendations:

Life in 5 Senses by Gretchin Rubin (read and love)

Sense-hacking by Charles Spence (yet to read)