Beach ball when launching an app that uses the internet

Hello!

So I am having a strange issue where occasionally when I start up an app the uses the internet, or something loads in an app (lets say a game) I get a beach ball. I am able to replicate this in mutiple applications both thrid-party and native. The workaround I found is toggling wi-fi, (if it's off turn it on, if it's on turn it off). I have a wired connection to my router and usually have my wifi off (unless this issue pops up). I have made a new user account, reset SMC, repaired permissions, repaired disk, changed all my network settings and made a new location, a whole bunch of stuff just to see if it worked. I want to avoid reinstalling the OS and definitly want to avoid a fresh install if I can, hence why I am here! Here are some specs:

21.5 inch iMac (mid 2011)

2.8 i7

16gb RAM

Lion 10.7.4 (all up to date)

I could for sure use some advise here 🙂

Thanks!