General terms:
* Intellectual isolation
* Mental withdrawal
* Cognitive detachment
* Philosophical retreat
* Ivory tower (a metaphorical term for an environment where intellectual pursuits are prioritized over practical concerns)
More specific terms:
* Academic bubble (for seclusion within a university or academic setting)
* Hermetic existence (emphasizes self-imposed isolation and focus on intellectual pursuits)
* Solipsistic state (implies a belief that only one's own mind is real, with a disconnect from external reality)
* Existential isolation (suggests a profound feeling of separation from the world and its concerns)
Figurative language:
* Living in a world of their own
* Lost in thought
* Dreaming of a different reality
* Escaping the mundane
The best phrase for you will depend on the specific context and the level of intensity you want to convey.