The Small Hinges That Swing Big Doors: 7 Biohacks That Actually Work
By Lindsay O’Neill, Founder of Wellness Eternal, Small Hinges & The Biohacking Index
What if optimizing your health didn’t require a complete lifestyle overhaul?
Too often, wellness feels overwhelming. We’re bombarded with miracle supplements, expensive devices, and conflicting advice. But here’s the truth: you don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the right things—consistently.
I call these “small hinges”—simple habits that create big, lasting shifts in energy, resilience, and longevity. Small hinges swing the BIG door of positive change, you don’t have to change everything to change everything…
Now remember, I am not a doctor, and this article is not meant as medical advice. So please consult a doctor first!
Here are 7 of my go-to small hinges to start unlocking your optimal health today:
1. Swap Coffee for Hydrogen-Rich Water
Love your morning buzz but hate the crash? Hydrogen-rich water delivers clean cellular energy, supports mitochondrial function, and reduces oxidative stress—all without taxing your adrenals. I use a portable hydrogen bottle daily (and haven’t looked back since giving up coffee).
Small hinge: Drink 8–12 oz of hydrogen water first thing in the morning for clean, sustained energy.
2. Wake Up to REAL Light & Red Light
Getting the first morning light helps set your circadian rhythm for the day. Red and near-infrared light boosts collagen, circulation, and cellular regeneration. A few minutes a day of each can enhance skin, improve mood, and even support thyroid health.
Small hinge: Stand in front of a red light panel for 5–10 minutes while journaling or brushing your teeth.
3. Breathe Better, Live Better
Breathwork is the original nervous system biohack. Intentional breathing lowers cortisol, sharpens focus, and enhances sleep. You don’t need a retreat—you just need 5 focused minutes.
Small hinge: Practice box breathing (4-4-4-4 count) before meals or meetings to reset your stress response.
4. Prioritize Sleep Like a CEO
Sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s your foundation. I need 6-8 hours. Track it. Guard it. Optimize it. Tools like the Oura Ring help—but so do basic rituals like magnesium, blue light blockers, and tech-free wind-down time.
Small hinge: Power down all screens 60 minutes before bed and use a weighted eye mask for deeper REM.
5. Upgrade Your Salt, Upgrade Your Cells
Most people are mineral deficient—especially in sodium, magnesium, and potassium. Clean electrolytes support hydration, nerve signaling, and hormone balance.
Small hinge: Add a pinch of Celtic or Himalayan salt to your water, especially after sauna or workouts.
6. Cut Inflammation Before It Starts
Chronic inflammation is the root of fatigue, brain fog, and disease. Our Small Hinges Inflammation Test gives you a snapshot of your real-time inflammatory load—and then we show you how to fix it with targeted lifestyle changes.
Small hinge: Test, don’t guess. 5 drops of blood can change your whole health trajectory. Visit www.smallhinges.health
7. Stack Habits for Effortless Wins
Biohacking doesn’t have to take extra time. Pair red light with meditation. Do breathwork in the shower. Stack your protein shake with gut-healing collagen and functional mushrooms. Tiny tweaks done consistently lead to major breakthroughs.
Small hinge: Don’t overthink it. Find your rhythm, then build from there.
Final Thought:
You don’t need more willpower—you need better support systems.
Whether you’re a CEO, a mom, or a high-performer navigating burnout, the key is sustainable change. Start with just one small hinge. Then another. And another.
Your body wants to heal. You just have to give it the right tools—and trust the process.
Don’t do it alone. Find a coach, a group, or a friend to support you — and do it with you!
Lean on WE too. Visit www.WellnessEternal.com to download our annual biohacking guide, listen to the Optimize W(e) Podcast and check out our trusted wellness solutions & providers vetted by me and WE on The Biohacking Index (www.biohackingindex.com). AND get your bio-individual meal-plan on www.smallhinges.health!
