Have you ever embarked on a long-haul flight and realised how relaxing it is to be out of contact with everybody? It's just you, your seat, a glass of wine or two, and a movie. It is an escape from the hustle and bustle that often complicates life, and the benefits of temporary isolation can be valuable.This is one area where the game of cricket has changed substantially over the past few years. Players and coaches today consider it essential to take time out from the daily rigours of international cricket. Gary Kirsten was the pioneer of this attitude.Post-retirement he reflected on his career and realised how many mindless net sessions he had endured when time completely away from his bat would have served him far better.Whenever I have been on tours with the South African team they have been extremely mindful of getting away from the game for a couple of days when the schedule permits. One proviso is that they must be playing well, and this relaxation period is something of a reward.Management insists that the freshness of individuals is of paramount importance, and the day before a Test match is always an optional practice session that very few attend.No matter what the coaches instruct though, there is one constant. Hashim Amla never misses out on his mountain of throw-downs, even the day before a five-day contest.Dale Steyn delights in escaping from cricket. He is a manic, extreme-sports addict. His younger days before he excelled on the cricket stage were chock-full of outdoor life and a skateboard. He still dips into that world whenever he can.Surfing and fishing also occupy his days off and he is adamant these frequent escapes are key to his success.England Test captain Alistair Cook is an interesting case in point. His superb statistics confirm he is one serious batsman, but the general consensus is that he is not a natural skipper.He has, however, a unique way of dodging the relentless trials and tribulations that come with captaining England.Cook has married into a farming family. As soon as a Test finishes in England he drives to the Midlands and the sanctuary of his sheep farm. He busies himself for days with the endless tasks on the farm.This escape ensures that his batteries are recharged and his mind as uncluttered as possible. He has even been known to turn his cellphone off for a couple of days mid-series to enable a release from his high-profile job.Cook is convinced that inhabiting a different bubble is essential for balance in life.Cricket for an international player is full-on. Playing, training, media, travel and other responsibilities congest the calendar. If a player can understand that freshness is essential for longevity and manage his schedule accordingly, the benefits will be substantial.It's called perspective. We can all do with regular doses of that. www.supersport.com..