Isolation Isn’t Self Care: What It’s Doing to Your Brain and How to Fix It

Isolation Isn’t Self Care: What It’s Doing to Your Brain and How to Fix It

What drives someone to seek a life that actually feels like theirs again after setback? Pennie Anassi cracks this open with humour, honesty, and a hefty dose of neuroscience. Fresh off her third layoff, Pennie talks through how therapy and a calmer nervous system have completely changed her reaction to career chaos. Instead of spiralling, she notices growth: more faith, less panic, and a refusal to let capitalism crush her confidence or creativity.

From there, she shifts into a relatable trap many people fall into: calling isolation "protecting your peace" while slowly drifting into brain fog. She shares how staying in, avoiding social plans, and over-correcting from friendship disappointments left her mentally exhausted and even a bit slower in conversations.

As she bluntly puts it, "I isolated myself to smithereens, and I 10 out of 10 do not recommend." Pennie breaks down, in simple brain science, how social contact keeps neurons firing together and why cutting yourself off can make you feel less sharp. The good news? Neuroplasticity gives your brain a chance to bounce back.

She walks through practical ways to keep your mind strong: reading and actually processing what you read, engaging in meaningful social interaction, choosing mentally stimulating work, exercising like it’s natural Adderall, and using brain games such as Sudoku or learning a new language. You’ll also hear her shout out 2 Chainz’s book about intuition and faith, along with a mindful Sudoku journal that pairs puzzles with reflective prompts, tying mental health practices to creativity and culture.

This episode speaks directly to creatives, Black women, multi-hyphenates, and anyone who’s been “inside, not outside” a bit too long. It asks a simple question: are you truly caring for yourself, or quietly shutting down parts of your brain that need connection to thrive?