Hi Lindsey, I am Paulo and I'd like to help.
Here are some tips I can suggest:
The most effective way to reduce memory consumption is to disable apps from running in the background.
If apps are downloaded from the Microsoft Store, you can right-click on the app > App settings and set the Background apps permissions to Never. This will allow you to only use the apps when needed.
Clearing Temporary files help as well.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/use-disk-cleanup-...
Also, disabling some startup apps.
https://www.elevenforum.com/t/enable-or-disable...
(Disclaimer: Elevenforum is a non-Microsoft website, but the page provides accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.)
If you intend to use the browser, you can disable any extensions that you no longer need because each of them uses a background process, as well as some of the browser's visually appealing features.
If I may make a suggestion, I would suggest using Microsoft's PC Manager tool. I've been using this tool for quite some time to help me improve PC performance. (See the image below)