How do I stop Outlook on Macbook from freezing?

I have a 2020 Macbook Air. I use the old Outlook rather than Apple's Mail for my email service. (I do not like the new Outlook). HOWEVER, Outlook often has "mini-freezes," that is, I click the mouse to open an email, and nothing happens. Usually the whole of Outlook freezes. This does not happen all the time, but I kept a record yesterday and it happened almost 25% of the time I tried to open an email. I Most of the time this condition only lasts 15 to 30 seconds, and then Outlook resumes. However, sometimes I have to close Outlook and reopen it. This is very annoying. I have reinstalled Microsoft Office three times. The first day or so, Outlook works seamlessly, but then the mini-freezes recur.