I have just started picking my guitar back up recently and I enjoy it. However I might put it down then an hour later start playing again but the tips of my fingers are hurting too much to continue? Is there anything at all I can do? I know that my fingers will harden but is there anything else beforehand?
If you really want to play now you can try a product like http://www.fingergloves.com
Alternatively, keep playing as long as your fingers will let you then take breaks to rest them, and over time you will develop the callouses you need to play for longer stretches.