<p>Are your boundaries secretly making you lonely?</p><p>In this solo episode of The Brave Table, I’m breaking down the dark side of “protecting your peace” — and why our obsession with canceling plans, staying in, and isolating under the guise of “self-care” might actually be harming our mental and emotional health.</p><p>After living in the UAE for seven months, I saw firsthand how community and shared rituals are the glue that keeps us grounded — and why the Western obsession with radical independence is making us lonelier than ever. This episode is a heartfelt call to reclaim connection, reject fake ingredients (in food and relationships), and build a life — and a village — that truly nourishes you.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>What you'll get out of this episode…</strong> </p><ul><li><p>The surprising ways “protecting your peace” may actually deepen your loneliness</p></li><li><p>The shocking health consequences of chronic isolation</p></li><li><p>The powerful community lessons I learned while living in the UAE</p></li><li><p>The inside story of why I built Chai Tonics, and what it took to make it truly clean and functional</p></li><li><p>A perspective shift to help you build real connection and intentional rituals</p></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Mama, your nervous system deserves a pause. The Chai Tonics Ritual Starter Kit was made to help you reset with blends that support focus, calm, and energy—without the coffee crash. Create your sacred moment at<a href="https://chaitonics.com/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://chaitonics.com</a> with code BRAVE for 15% off.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>This Episode is Powered by Health Nag</strong></p><p>Struggle to stay hydrated? Health Nag’s Juicy Watermelon Electrolytes give you six essential electrolytes + Vitamin B12, Magnesium, and Vitamin C—all without sugar or fillers. It’s hydration that actually works. Try it today at<a href="https://neetabhushan.com/healthnag" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://neetabhushan.com/healthnag</a> with code BRAVETABLE for 10% off.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Sponsored by Zoime Longevity Clinic</strong></p><p>Longevity isn’t just about more years—it’s about better ones. At Zoime Longevity Clinic, you’ll get a personalized health plan rooted in the seven pillars of thriving life—gut health, hormones, nervous system, mindset, and more. Start your journey at<a href="https://neetabhushan.com/zoime" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"> https://neetabhushan.com/zoime</a> and get 10% off your consultation with code BRAVETABLE.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Want more?</strong></p><p>☕ Love chai + self-care? Grab my free 12-month ritual guide → <a href="https://neetabhushan.com/chaitonics" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">neetabhushan.com/chaitonics</a></p><p>🌿 Need focus, recovery, or balance? Take my FREE quiz to find your perfect wellness boost → <a href="https://neetabhushan.com/chaiquiz" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">neetabhushan.com/chaiquiz</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!</strong></p><p>YOUTUBE / <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheBraveTable" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@TheBraveTable</a></p><p>IG / <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neetabhushan/?hl=en" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@neetabhushan</a> </p><p>IG / <a href="http://www.instagram.com/thebravetable" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@thebravetable </a></p><p>TIKTOK / <a href="http://www.tiktok.com/neeta.bhushan" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">@neeta.bhushan</a></p><p>WEB / <a href="https://neetabhushan.com/10-day-emotional-reset" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://neetabhushan.com</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>If you loved this episode, check out…</strong></p><p>Ep. #232: Simone Heng On Why Loneliness is Becoming the World's Next Big Health Problem (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/232-simone-heng-on-why-loneliness-is-becoming-the/id1608226580?i=1000658762247" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/28lZsuJq2Xxhw1PK4LLR0K?si=zWv_5J6ETrCwI_FUR7alPQ" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a> | <a href="https://youtu.be/6cfdtIw7cXY" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">YouTube</a>)</p><p>Ep. #310: Is Toxic Femininity Real? The Truth No One Talks About (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/310-is-toxic-femininity-real-the-truth-no-one-talks-about/id1608226580?i=1000698896120" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Apple</a> | <a href="https://open.spotify.com/episode/3aCVrz6Xj3f2mXfFZgeltm?si=YQRIrrRTRK-qMQe7fM0gyQ" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Spotify</a>)</p><p>Ep. #343: The Secret to Building a Viral Community (Even If You Feel Like an Outsider) with Krystl Fabella (<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/343-the-secre