How do I participate in ethereum proof of stake?

Could you please explain to me the process of participating in Ethereum's Proof of Stake consensus mechanism? I'm interested in understanding the steps involved in staking my ETH to support the network and earn rewards. Additionally, what are the requirements I need to meet to become a validator, and what kind of risks are associated with staking my ETH? Lastly, is there a minimum amount of ETH required to participate in staking, and how can I manage my stake effectively to maximize my returns?