A simple guide to the tool everyone’s talking about.
You’ve probably heard someone mention Notion and wondered what all the hype is about. Is it a note-taking app? A planner? A project management tool? The truth is, Notion is all of those things — and more.
Whether you’re a student trying to keep track of assignments, a business owner juggling tasks, or someone who just wants a bit more structure in their life, Notion offers a flexible way to stay organised.
Here’s a breakdown of it in a way that makes sense, even if you’ve never used a tool like this before.
So… what exactly is notion?
Notion is essentially a digital workspace. Think of it like a giant, customisable notebook — but one that can also act like a calendar, a to-do list, a database, a journal, or even a website.
Instead of switching between ten different apps for notes, tasks, files, and reminders, Notion brings everything into one place.
It’s like combining:
- Google Docs
- Trello or Asana
- Evernote
- A calendar
- Sticky notes on your fridge
…into one clean, organised platform.
How does notion work?
Notion works using “blocks” — small building elements like text, images, checkboxes, headings, tables, and more. You create pages, and within those pages, you can add whatever blocks you need.
Want a to-do list? Add checkbox blocks.
Writing a journal entry? Add a text block.
Need to plan content? Use a calendar or table block.
Want everything in one dashboard? You can do that too.
It’s completely customisable, which means you can build it around your life — not the other way around.
What can you use notion for?
One of the best things about Notion is how versatile it is. Here are just a few ways people use it:
- Note-taking: Whether it’s for class, meetings, or just personal thoughts.
- To-do lists & task management: Track your daily, weekly, or long-term goals.
- Journaling: Build a daily check-in or gratitude journal.
- Project management: Plan content, business tasks, or group projects.
- Habit tracking: Monitor sleep, exercise, mood, or habits.
- Recipe & meal planning: Store favourite recipes or build a weekly plan.
- Budgeting: Create your own expense tracker or savings dashboard.
You can start simple — even with just a single page — and build from there.
Is notion hard to use?
Not at all — though it can feel overwhelming at first because there’s so much you can do with it. The key is to start small. Notion offers plenty of templates you can use straight away, so you don’t have to build anything from scratch.
For example:
- A daily planner
- A reading list
- A student dashboard
- A goal tracker
You can use these as they are, or tweak them to suit your needs.
Do you need to be tech-savvy?
Nope. If you know how to type in a Word document or move things around in a Google Doc, you’ll be just fine. It’s designed to be intuitive — plus, there are loads of tutorials out there if you ever get stuck.
Why is notion so popular?
People love Notion because:
- It’s flexible and adapts to your lifestyle.
- It’s aesthetically pleasing and fun to use.
- You can create your own personal system without needing 5 different apps.
- It works well for both individuals and teams.
- There’s a free version that covers a lot of functionality.
Whether you’re looking for a simple place to take notes or dreaming of a fully custom life planner, Notion can be whatever you need it to be.
It’s more than just an app — it’s a tool to help you simplify your life, boost productivity, and stay organised in a way that actually works for you.
Reviewed April 2025. Always consult a professional for individual guidance.
