Managing stress in the long-term
When it comes to coping with stress, short-term strategies can help you through tough moments, but it’s the healthy habits you build over time that can create lasting change.
Small, consistent changes like getting better sleep, setting boundaries, or reaching out for professional support can help ease daily pressures and give you a greater sense of control.
Below, you can explore practical ideas for reducing and managing stress in the long term.
Find ways to reduce stress in different areas of your life
Stress can come from many parts of your life including work, school, personal relationships, and finances. Sometimes, stress in one area can spill into another, creating a cycle that feels hard to break.
For example, feeling stretched at work might make it harder to sleep, which leaves you with less energy to manage things at home. Over time, this can build up and feel overwhelming.
The good news is that small, practical steps can ease some of that pressure. Even little changes can help you feel lighter and give you more space for rest, connection, and self-care.
- Finances
- Explore support options: If money is causing you stress, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it all out by yourself. A financial counsellor can help you understand your options, negotiate with creditors, or create a plan for the future. A good place to start is by reaching out to a local financial support service. You can find one near you using the Lifeline Service Finder. Alternatively, you can call the National Debt Helpline for free and confidential advice.
- Cut back where you can (and where it feels doable): Reducing expenses can feel overwhelming, but even small changes can help ease financial pressure. Start with things that are easiest to adjust like reviewing subscriptions, switching to cheaper options for groceries, or looking for free community services. Remember, every little bit adds up.
- Create a simple spending plan: A budget doesn’t have to be perfect or complicated. It’s ultimately just a tool to help you feel more in control. Start by writing down what’s coming in and what’s going out. Even a basic plan can help you prioritise essentials and reduce financial stress.
Click here to learn more tips for reducing and managing financial stress.
- Work or school
- Personal life
Tips for managing stress in the long term
- Prioritise getting good, quality sleep
- Journal your thoughts and feelings
- Set and maintain healthy boundaries
- Create a personalised self-care box
- Create a daily routine
- Focus on meaningful connections
- Practise mindfulness and meditation
- Do a digital detox
Reaching out for professional support
Sometimes stress can feel overwhelming, and that’s okay. Reaching out for professional support is a brave step toward feeling better. It gives you a safe space to share what you’re going through and helps you discover tools and strategies that work for you.
Whether it’s speaking to a GP, connecting with a therapist, or trying an online program, there are different types of support that can be tailored to your needs.
- Talk to a GP
A GP is a great place to start when seeking support for stress. They can help you create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which outlines your mental health needs and the support available to you.
This plan may include a referral to a therapist or specialist and can give you access to Medicare-subsidised therapy sessions, reducing the cost of care.
Click here to learn more about getting a Mental Health Treatment Plan. If you need help finding a local healthcare provider, you can use Service Finder GP.
- Explore professional therapy options
- Look into online programs
Lifeline is here.
We're here to listen to whatever you might be going through 24 hours a day, 7 days a week via 13 11 14 (tel: 13 11 14), text (https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-text/), and chat (https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/). If life is in danger, call 000 (tel: 000).
Managing stress over the long term is about finding what works for you and building a toolkit of strategies that support your wellbeing. Combining professional support with other approaches like mindfulness, self-care, and connecting with others can help you feel more equipped to handle life’s challenges.
If you need support along the way, there are always tools, services, and people ready to help.
For more support resources for stress, you can:
- Learn about common causes and signs and effects of stress
- Find practical strategies to help you manage stress right now
- Explore tools, apps, and real stories to help you cope with and manage stress
- Connect with a support service for further information, resources, and referrals.
Remember, you don’t have to do it all at once. Even small changes like sticking to a daily routine or doing a digital detox can have a big impact in the long term. Be gentle with yourself and take things one step at a time.
Click here to download, save, or print our stress fact sheet.
