I use the keyboard to select. Position the cursor, press Ctrl+Shift plus the down arrow. If only one paragraph inhabits the cell, you will select the entire cell -- but wait! With Ctrl+Shift still held down, simply press the left arrow key and only the text will be selected.

Navigating in tables (and untabled text) can be much faster when you keep your hands on the keyboard. It just takes a little time to get used to using these and other keys to zip around, and you'll save lots of time in the long run.

Cheers,
Ulodesk