Mac running slower after the latest macOS update – what should I check

Since updating to the latest macOS, my MacBook feels noticeably slower. Apps take longer to open, and the fan runs more than it used to, even when I’m only browsing.

I’ve restarted a few times and checked Activity Monitor, but nothing obvious stands out. Spotlight indexing seems to run for a long time, though I’m not sure if that’s the cause.

Is this normal for a few days after a major update, or are there settings or cleanup steps worth trying before I consider a reinstall? Any tips from people who’ve dealt with this would help.