If you are using lexical variables as globals, then use vars - that is what it is for.

Also if you can you want to move the bulk of the functions in question into their own modules. When your script runs it can then load the module and call functions from there. Why?

1. Shared warnings go away.
2. There is less work required per invocation of your script.
3. I believe you will consume less memory.

OK, so it will separate code into different files, and that does tend to require more thought. The basic template I would suggest using looks something like this. If your module is MyStuff.pm, then start it like this:

package MyStuff;
@ISA = 'Exporter';
@EXPORT_OK = qw(really neat functions here);
use strict;

# etc, including those neat functions

1; # An unfortunately necessary annoyance
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And then you use it like this:

use MyStuff qw(neat functions); # Whatever you actually need
# Proceed to call "neat" and "functions like normal
# functions.  You only get the ones which you list.  This
# is a GOOD thing because it makes it easier to track down
# which function came from where!
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This is your basic procedural module. While writing it, it is good to put some thought to how to reuse the functions elsewhere...