There are a few ways to stake your Solana. You can stake with a validator directly through your wallet or buy liquid staked $SOL.
In traditional staking, tokens are often locked up for a period of time, limiting your control over them. However, liquid staking offers a more flexible approach. It issues a derivative token in exchange for the staked asset that you hold in your wallet, giving you the freedom to sell at any time, thereby empowering you to manage your investments more effectively.
Sanctum is a protocol that works with various validators and issues liquid staking tokens. For example, you can earn one of the highest staking APYs by buying JupSOL (Jupiter Staked Solana) or some extra BONK by buying BonkSOL.
Staking with Sanctum will also help you qualify for season 2 of Sanctum's airdrop.