The importance of self care in co-dependency

I recently read a book called "Codependent No More" and discovered that I have been a codependent for quite some time.  In fact, in reading this book, I saw the traits of codependency in myself, as well as in many other people.  As a codependent, I often fall last on my priority list.  I have been fighting hard for the last few years to make a change in this department; and while I have made progress, there is more progress to be made still - and now that I have a name for my issue, it kind of helps point me in the right direction to find more progress; but it's also pretty frustrating honestly, because the things that make me a codependent directly impact my abilities to care for myself. 
Symptoms include, but aren't limited to people-pleasing, poor boundaries, caretaking, obsession, dysfunctional communication, and problems with intimacy. 
Self care has grown increasingly more important to me in the recent years.  While I struggle with my codependent tendencies to help others before myself; I am re-wiring my brain at the same time to remember to put myself first!  Here's what that has started to look like:

A few years ago I got back into a healthy fitness routine.  I began spending more time doing things like yoga, hiking, running, swimming, dancing, and other types of workouts.  I learned that I store emotions and feelings IN my body.  I store them in my muscles, and when they are finally release; it feels pretty overwhelming.  I have cried in the middle of runs, for no reason, many times.  My body is able to let go of certain emotions that I try to ignore, or put off, while I am running or being active.  Any activities involving punching and kicking are also very effective for me to get out some of those negative, built-up emotions.  For a few years now, this has been my main form of self care; but I began realizing it's not quite enough. 

About two years ago I started reading more personal development books.  I think I have maybe read one book in the last two years which was not personal development.  (It was Harry Potter, duh) I really have grown thirsty for these types of books.  Reading has always been a special self care activity for me; and personal development books are ALL about that self care.  I spend at least 30 minutes per day reading personal development. 

As an introvert it's also very important for me to have a healthy balance of alone time vs. time with others.  I used to feel bad telling people I couldn't meet with them... Now I am literally just so busy I don't have time to make everyone happy.  Unfortunately this means I have lost a lot of time with friends.  It's not because I don't want to see them, but when you have three jobs, you work in an office with a lot of bubbly personalities, and the main focus of your job is to help others - well it doesn't seem too hard to figure out why I need that alone time.  It's crucial.  If I don't get alone time, it makes me resentful, bitter, and mean - which makes it very hard to do my jobs. 

Self care is a journey, just like health and fitness, education, career building... Any kind of journey you embark on.  It takes practice for me, but as I have been practicing more self care, I am noticing the amazing benefits that come with it - which motivates me to keep doing it.  I'm curious to see what other types of self care will unfold for me as I explore this practice.