Every LDR couple does the mental math. "Okay, if the flight's on the 15th, and today's the 3rd, that's... 12 days." A countdown clock does that math for you, constantly visible, turning the wait into something you can watch tick down.
There's something psychologically satisfying about watching the number get smaller. Research on anticipation suggests that the countdown itself can generate positive emotions—not just the event you're counting toward.
Options
Physical Countdown Clocks
Dedicated devices that sit on your desk showing days/hours/minutes until an event.
- Amazon countdown timers ($25-50) — Basic but functional. Search "countdown clock" and filter by reviews.
- Custom countdown blocks ($30-60) — Physical blocks you flip to show the number. More aesthetic, less precise.
- DIY option — Raspberry Pi + display for the technically inclined
Apps (Our Recommendation)
Honestly? Apps are better for most people. Free, always synced, always in your pocket.
- Between (Free/Premium) — Couples app with built-in countdown feature
- Days Counter (Free) — Simple, clean countdown widget
- Countdown Widget (Free) — Lock screen widgets for iPhone
Set it as a widget on your home screen. The countdown is visible every time you open your phone.
Matching Physical + Digital
Best setup I've found: matching countdowns. Both of you have the same countdown app on your phones, both of you have a physical countdown somewhere visible (desk, nightstand). Creates shared anticipation.
Beyond Visit Countdowns
Countdowns don't have to be just for visits:
- Days until the distance ends
- Anniversary countdown
- Days until major milestone (engagement, moving in)
- Days you've been together
The Psychology
Countdowns work because of anticipation. When you know something good is coming, your brain starts generating positive emotions before the event even happens. A visible countdown makes that anticipation constant and tangible.
It also reframes the distance. Instead of "we're apart," it becomes "we're X days from being together."
More tools at connection tools. For the science behind anticipation, see why anticipation matters.