The Unplugged Hours

They say when the student is ready, the teacher appears. That’s how it’s been with this book that I’ve just finished reading – The Unplugged Hours.

I’ve been feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, not realizing that the very world that I’m trying to escape into is what’s causing it – the online world.

The Unplugged Hours

The Unplugged Hours by Hannah Brencher is a powerful reminder to disconnect from screens and embrace life offline.

The book’s idea is pretty straightforward but powerful: in 2021, the author realized she was drained and disconnected, so she set out to log 1,000 unplugged hours in one year. Her personal experiment turned into a movement when her readers and followers took on the same challenge. She discovered something simple: putting away your phone leads to a better, more fulfilling life, even in our crazy connected world.

My Review

In The Unplugged Hours, Hannah’s writing blends personal experiences, cultural analysis, and spiritual introspection, providing both a guide to overcoming technology addiction and a profound search for life’s purpose. She’s honest about her own struggles with always being connected, which gives a relatable perspective for those who’ve felt controlled by social media or constant notifications. She also tackles the societal pressures that reinforce this dependency, providing insight into how pervasive the digital grind has become in our collective consciousness.

The book is most useful because it blends personal experiences with actionable tips. She doesn’t just talk about the benefits of unplugging—she gives you actual ways to do it in your own life. The book has tons of useful suggestions for anyone ready to break the cycle of digital distraction, from setting boundaries with tech to savoring moments of stillness. Hannah’s take on time management and presence is so on point. She highlights the importance of getting our attention and energy back from technology.

As Brencher reflects on her journey of unplugging, she discovers the profound and powerful spiritual undertones that allowed her to reconnect with herself, the divine, and the vibrant world that surrounds her. Her invitation to “uncover the magic within the ordinary” reminds readers that life’s beauty often lies in the moments we miss while distracted by our devices. The spiritual aspect adds depth to the book, urging us to live more intentionally.

Hannah’s challenge to unplug in a world where we’re constantly on screens feels bold and necessary. She understands how tough it is to maintain this habit in a tech-driven world, but her story proves the payoffs—happier mind, closer connections, and a greater appreciation for life’s small joys—are totally worth it.

The personal revelations and practical guidance make this book not only a timely cultural critique but also a heartfelt encouragement to those seeking more balance and peace. Hannah Brencher’s story is a reminder that sometimes the most profound transformations come from the simplest actions—like turning off your phone and being fully present in the moment.

Personal Impact

It’s going to take me a while to work out the best way to unplug more, but I’ve seen minor changes as I follow the advice of this book. For example, I’m writing a lot more offline every day – journaling, morning pages, small notes. I’ve even started to do mini art ‘projects’ in my Bullet Journal. It’s going to take time, but I’m hoping for the grace and determination to make more time to unplug.

You can order the book here | You can download The Unplugged Hours tracker here.

I leave you with these words from the author – a reminder that we all can have a simpler and more intentional life if we learn to unplug regularly.

Hour by hour, I was reclaiming my life…the biggest thing was that I started to see that the connectivity with my devices was fueling my overwhelm. I wanted to live simply and intentionally and I found that when I powered down my phone, that was within my reach.

Hannah brencher – the unplugged hours