Over the past year and a half, many people have picked up new hobbies to fill the time they spend at home. Baking has become ubiquitous, so much so that there was a time when you couldn't log onto Instagram without seeing artfully prepared amateur bread, and learning to dance on Tik Tok has become so mainstream that even fathers are now doing it. (Kneading bread is hard work!) ), a popular way to relax and change one's mood is to learn to play the guitar.

Guitar has always been a popular hobby, of course, but now is the perfect time to try playing it. Consider the benefits of self-care: sitting down at the guitar and learning to strum chords to your favorite songs will help you focus and pay attention. Learning to manipulate the fretboard develops hand-eye coordination as the hands, fingers, and mind work together to combine notes, chords, and scales. Playing the guitar has the same effect as writing a journal entry. The instrument helps you express yourself and serves as a creative channel for communicating your feelings to others and to yourself.

Another great benefit of dedicating time to plucking guitar strings is that it can help you get over a broken heart. (It finally makes sense why there are so many songs about getting over an ex, doesn't it?) The guitar can also be an outlet for stress and anxiety, a sort of "therapy" instrument to help you get through tough times.

The moment you pick up your first guitar, you're joining quite the club: a 30-second search of guitar hashtags on Instagram will reveal millions of guitar lovers waiting to welcome and cheer you on. By investing in an instrument from a brand you can trust, you can enjoy the benefits of a finely crafted guitar now, and eventually pass it on when you're ready to welcome the next generation of guitar enthusiasts into your band.

Need more inspiration to start channeling your inner Kacey Musgraves? Recent studies show that women make up half of all new players, and in some cases are dominating the emerging guitar market. Learning to play the guitar is a skill that is possible at any age, and the benefits can be felt from day one. So while learning to craft the perfect sourdough may be a delicious way to spend a few hours, we're here to reap the benefits of mastering our favorite breakup ballads.